Teenager with airsoft gun sparks school lockdowns in Kalispell

A teenager armed with an airsoft handgun sent two Kalispell public schools into lockdown Friday morning, authorities said.

Kalispell Police officers detained several minors after responding to reports of a juvenile pointing a gun at vehicles near Flathead High School and Elrod Elementary School about 7:45 a.m., Friday, Sept. 6, according to Chief Jordan Venezio. While officers searched for suspects, district officials placed both buildings on lockdown.  

Officers secured a replica airsoft pistol after interviewing the group of detained minors, Venezio said. One member of the group, a 15-year-old, was taken to the Police Department for questioning. Officials later released the minor to a guardian, Venezio said.  

In a message to parents, Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen wrote that both schools temporarily went into a lockdown as a precautionary measure. He thanked the authorities for their efforts.  

"We are grateful for the quick response of our Kalispell Police Department," Jensen wrote in the message. 

While the incident remains under investigation, Venezio described the case as isolated. He said the Flathead County Attorney's Office is reviewing it for possible criminal charges.  

No further information is likely to be forthcoming due to the suspect's age, Venezio said.  

The incident came just two days after a 14-year-old allegedly killed four people, including two students, at a Georgia high school. Charged as an adult, Colt Gray faces four counts of murder in connection with the deadly shooting that involved a semiautomatic assault-style rifle.  

His father, Colin Gray, faces charges including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Authorities accuse him of allowing his son to possess a weapon, according to the Associated Press. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.