Middle School Parent Discovered With Concealed Gun On Campus

LA VERNE, CA — A parent who passed out in the Ramona Middle School office Friday morning was arrested when he came to, La Verne police said.

Both police and fire responded to the medical emergency of an unresponsive man in the office on Oct. 26. As they attended him back to alertness, the emergency responders discovered the man was wearing a concealed firearm on the school grounds, La Verne Police Department Sgt. Cory Lopez reported.

The parent "exhibited signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance," Lopez said.

La Verne police officers "patting down" the parent discovered a "concealed handgun in his waistband," Lopez said.

The parent was medically checked by the La Verne Fire Department, and arrested at the scene for possession of a firearm in a school zone, according to Lopez.

"There was no danger to students on the campus and that the man never came into contact with any children," the report stated.

The parent -- whose name was not immediately released -- was being held on $20,000 bail, Lopez said.

School district Superintendent Carl Coles issued a statement praising school staff and police.

"As a parent and as your superintendent, I understand that this is upsetting and my deepest levels of emotions go out to students and families of Bonita Unified School District," Coles said. "I truly appreciate the cooperation and quick response of the Ramona Middle School staff and the LVPD."
He went on the say that the district's "primary focus is the safety of ... students and staff."

"We remain committed to using this event as a strong reminder to continue our focus on necessary and responsive efforts to make our campuses as safe as possible," Coles said.

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