Flathead student arrested; gun found in backpack

A student is in police custody after a handgun was found in his backpack at Flathead High School on Friday afternoon.

The 16-year-old student faces expulsion for the offense.

“No one was hurt and there was no imminent danger,” Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau said, noting the quick response by school administrators and the Kalispell Police Department.

Kalispell Public Schools issued the following statement by email and voice message to Flathead High School families Friday evening, according to Flatau:

“Today, there was a report of an incident involving alcohol at school. Through an investigation of this incident, a handgun was found in a student’s backpack. During the investigation, it was reported to us that the handgun was brought to school to be sold.

“School administration and the Kalispell Police Department acted immediately to address the situation. The student was removed from school and is in police custody. The incident is still under investigation.

“As per FHS school policy: A student, who uses, possesses, controls, or transfers a firearm, or any object that can reasonably be considered, or looks like, a firearm, shall be expelled for a definite period of time of at least one calendar year.

“Due diligence today enabled this incident to be handled promptly with appropriate actions by FHS staff.  This serves as a good reminder to all of us to talk to our students, know where they are at all times, and report any suspicious activity.”

The school policy applies to people on school property and at school-sanctioned events.

“We’re fortunate the situation was handled in the manner it was,” Flatau told the Inter Lake.

Cory Clarke, the school resource officer, said the student was a recent transfer to Flathead.