Bus Driver Confiscates Gun Found With Student Heading To Elementary School in Central Phoenix

An investigation is underway by Phoenix law enforcement after a student was discovered carrying a firearm on a school bus while en route to an elementary school in central Phoenix on Monday morning.

The bus driver of Madison Rose Lane Elementary School stopped the vehicle and confiscated a gun from a student, after being informed by the school that the student had the weapon. The driver then promptly informed the school authorities about the incident.

Upon the arrival of the bus at the school, administration officials, situated near 12th Street and Bethany Home Road, confiscated the gun from the driver and contacted Phoenix police. Fortunately, no one was injured and the school did not have to go into lockdown.

The occurrence took place on the “Lizard” bus, which is one of the two buses responsible for transporting Madison Rose Lane students to and from their destination.

There is currently no information available about the student’s age or where the gun originated from.

Dear Rose Lane Families,

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. I want to inform you about a situation that occurred this morning. Prior to school starting, it was reported that a student on the “Lizard” bus was in possession of a firearm. The bus driver safely pulled over, secured the item and notified school administration. When the student arrived at school, school administration met the student at the bus and immediately addressed the concern, took possession of the item and contacted the Phoenix Police Department. The situation was quickly addressed and under control, and there was no need for the school to go into lockdown. While other students on the bus may have seen or heard about the item, no students or staff were physically harmed. We are currently investigating this incident and are working with the student and their family.

Due to student privacy laws, we will not be able to share specific details of the outcome. However, please know that in response to any situation, the district follows the interventions and responses outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, which is located in the district’s student/parent handbook.

We understand the different feelings that a situation like this can cause. Please know that our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. Support is always available from our administrators, social worker, counselor, or school psychologist. Please contact us for any assistance in speaking with your child about these types of situations.

We take any and all reports of safety concerns seriously. If your student ever sees or hears anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or concerned, they should report it to an adult immediately.

Each of us plays an important role in keeping our school safe. Situations regarding the safety of our schools must be taken with the utmost seriousness. We appreciate our staff who quickly responded and addressed the situation. We remind families to practice safe storage of firearms and other dangerous items at all times to ensure children do not have access to these items. Please also check to make sure students are not bringing any inappropriate items with them to school.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Andre’ Reyes Rose Lane Principal