A 17-year-old named Clifton Skillern was arrested on Monday and charged with possession of a handgun with an extended magazine, according to the police.
Classes at Lamar High School in Houston ISD were delayed on Tuesday morning due to a thorough search for weapons among the students.
Clifton Andre Skillern, 17, is facing charges for possessing a prohibited weapon after he brought a concealed handgun with an extended magazine to Lamar, as stated in court documents. As part of the legal proceedings, Skillern, a senior, has been instructed to wear a GPS monitor and is prohibited from going near Lamar. Additionally, he will be transferred to an alternative school.
Skillern appeared before a judge on Wednesday morning, and according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, he will be charged as an adult.
The specific charge he is facing is unlawful possession of a weapon in a forbidden place. Initially, Skillern’s bond was set at $50,000; however, he will now receive a personal bond, allowing his release on Thursday afternoon. The District Attorney’s office expressed their disagreement with the judge’s decision, citing concerns for the safety of the community.
Assistant DA Dillan Passmore stated that the individual involved in the case is prohibited from having any contact with Lamar High School or the other juvenile connected to this incident. Furthermore, due to being under 24-hour house arrest, he is confined to his residence except for attending court proceedings and meeting with his lawyer.
HISD notified parents that a second student was apprehended after a short chase off-campus. The identity of this individual is being withheld due to their status as a minor.
On Tuesday morning, we received feedback from disgruntled parents who were frustrated by the lengthy queues at the River Oaks school on Westheimer near Buffalo Speedway. According to reports, all students were subjected to metal detector searches, causing delays and disruptions. As a result, classes did not commence until approximately 10:30 a.m.
Gutierrez is of the opinion that having students stay outside for an extended period of time increases their vulnerability.
“As a mother, I am concerned about the security implications it poses. It’s worrisome because you never know who you might encounter on the road, especially when your children are out in public,” she expressed her worries.
Lamar principal Rita Graves sent the following alert to parents on Monday afternoon, according to HISD. However, HISD did not provide any additional comments on the matter.
Dear members of our school community,
I want to assure you that all students and staff are safe. However, it is important for me to inform you about a serious safety incident that took place this morning. Our campus administration received information that a student might attempt to bring a gun to school today. Upon receiving this information, the HISD PD responded promptly and, after a short pursuit off-campus, the police were able to locate the weapon and apprehend the student.
In addition, our administration had reason to believe that another student might be in possession of a weapon. On-campus, the student was searched by the HISD police, and a weapon was indeed confiscated. Both students will face disciplinary actions in accordance with the Texas Education Code. Furthermore, they have been charged with a felony criminal offense by the District Attorney (DA).
The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities, and we will continue to work diligently to maintain a safe learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation and support in adhering to our safety protocols. Should you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
The safety and well-being of all students and staff at HISD is of utmost importance. Any threat to campus safety is taken seriously, and the district works closely with local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and take necessary actions. In an abundance of caution, increased on-campus patrols will be implemented, and all students will be wanded with hand-held metal detectors during morning arrival until the situation is resolved. Students may experience a brief delay during entry, and it is advised for them to enter at the Transit Center or on the 2nd level from the garage. Rest assured, HISD is committed to ensuring the safety and security of everyone on campus.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the number of school safety incidents has doubled in September. This alarming increase raises concerns about the safety and well-being of students in schools across the state. The DPS report highlights the need for heightened security measures and proactive strategies to address these incidents effectively. It is crucial to prioritize the safety of students and create a conducive learning environment free from potential threats.
