Cherokee, Alabama – In a shocking incident at Cherokee Elementary School, a father finds himself in hot water as his second-grader son brought a firearm to school. Randy Keller, 38, was apprehended this afternoon and now faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Keller’s arrest came after a firearm was discovered in his son’s backpack on a Thursday morning.
According to Sheriff Eric Balentine, the young student exhibited a responsible act of self-reporting the presence of the gun in his backpack to his teacher. The immediate response to this potentially dangerous situation demonstrates the importance of vigilance within the education system.
Colbert County Schools Superintendent, Chris Hand, commended the swift action taken by both staff and law enforcement. Hand recounted how a teacher was the first to become aware of the firearm’s presence, promptly alerting the school resource officer and the school principal.
“Our School Resource Officer (SRO) and the principal acted swiftly upon being informed,” Superintendent Hand emphasized. “We also dispatched our head of security from the central office to the scene. An investigation was initiated to determine how and why the firearm ended up there. We spared no effort in uncovering all the pertinent details.”
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In response to the incident, both the elementary and high schools elevated their alert status. The school resource officer initiated a thorough investigation, ensuring the safety of all students and staff. The firearm, along with the student, was promptly removed from the school premises, preventing any potential harm.
Fortunately, Superintendent Chris Hand clarified that the firearm never posed an immediate threat to anyone within the school. “At the beginning of the school day today, a firearm was discovered in an elementary student’s backpack,” Superintendent Hand explained. “It’s essential to note that the student did not have the firearm in their possession; it was securely stored within their bag. It was never in a situation where it was brandished or aimed at another student or employee.”
Once the investigation was successfully concluded, both the elementary and high schools resumed their normal operations. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and secure educational environment for all students and staff.
