16-year-old arrested after bringing gun to school in Mankato

A 16-year-old was arrested Wednesday morning after bringing a gun to West High School, according to the City of Mankato.

The student didn’t threaten anyone, and the gun was concealed at the time of the arrest. No injuries were reported, and the student was cooperative, officials said.

The student will be placed in a juvenile detention facility.

The case will be forwarded to the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office. A charge requested by officials is possessing a dangerous weapon on school property, which is a felony.

“We are thankful that no staff or students were injured today and that the school district’s safety protocols were followed effectively,” Mankato Area Public Schools said.

The school district also sent multiple statements to families.

One of the statements reads:

Mankato Area Public Schools continues to work with the Department of Public Safety in their ongoing investigation of the incident at West High School earlier today. Mankato Public Safety and Mankato Area Public Schools are now sharing additional details that have been learned through their investigation. 

The message below is from Mankato Public Safety:

Mankato-At approximately 10:10 a.m. today (Wednesday, May 3), a 16-year-old juvenile was taken into custody for possession of a loaded handgun at Mankato Area Public Schools’ West High School, 1351 S. Riverfront Drive. No threats were made, and there were no injuries. The gun was concealed at the time of the arrest, and the student was cooperative.  

The juvenile will be placed in juvenile detention facility, and the case will be forwarded to the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office. Requested charges include, but are not limited to, possessing a dangerous weapon on school property, which is considered a felony.

“There are no known threats at this time,” says Deputy Director of Public Safety Matt DuRose. “The incident remains under investigation, and no further details are available.”

Throughout this process, student and staff safety has been our highest priority, and we will continue this commitment every day. Mankato Area Public Schools is thankful to have a strong partnership with Mankato Public Safety. 

Thank you again for your continued support of students and staff of Mankato Area Public Schools.