Crime & Safety

Ferguson-Florissant Student Brings Semi-Automatic Pistol to School

Davion Henderson said he felt he needed it to protect himself himself from bullies "in the neighborhood," according to Betty Fagan, interim principal at McCluer South-Berkeley High School.

A Ferguson-Florissant School District student is in jail after school officials found a loaded pistol in his backpack. 

According to police, 17-year-old Davion Henderson brought the gun to McCluer South-Berkeley High School where he is a student. He was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013 after a student told administrators someone may have a gun on campus.

At approximately 10:10 a.m., a school resource officer with the Ferguson Police Department and school officials located the student and took him to the office where his backpack was searched.

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A 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine was found, according to police. The same gun is on file as being stolen, according to police.

Henderson, whose booking report shows he resides in the 100 block of Anastasia Drive in Unincorporated St. Louis County near Calverton Park, was arrested and charged with one felony—unlawful use of a weapon. 

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His bond has been set at $10,000, and he will face disciplinary action from 180- days suspension to expulsion. 

In an email sent to the school's parents, Betty Fagan, interim principal at the school, said district policy states that a student may not possess, handle or transmit any weapons—including items that look like weapons—on school property.

"The Ferguson Police Department immediately took the student into custody and transported him to the police station," she said in email. "Providing a safe environment that allows children to learn is our first priority. 

"I appreciate our school community and staff for the tip, swift actions, and professionalism in the handling this situation."

Fagan encouraged parents to use the situation to speak with their children to remind them weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on school property and encourage them to report unsafe situations.

When school officials found the gun in Henderson's backpack, they say he was apologetic and started to cry, according to KSDK. Fagan told the news outlet Henderson said he felt he needed it to protect himself himself from bullies "in the neighborhood." 

Before the gun was found, Superintendent Art McCoy says Henderson was "hovering" around some teachers and administrators seeking advice, according to KSDK, which also reports at one point he told one administrator he felt sick and had called his parents in an attempt to go home. 


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