Second Student Caught With Weapon At Long Island School: Police

LAKE RONKONKOMA, NY — A 13-year-old boy was busted for having brass knuckles at a Lake Ronkonkoma school on Friday, Suffolk police say.

The teenager was asked to empty his bag by an employee at Samoset Middle School for an unrelated incident when brass knuckles were found at around 1 p.m., according to police.

The teen was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor, and he is scheduled for arraignment in Suffolk County Family Court on a later date, police said.

The teen's name was not released due to his status as a minor.

It was the second such incident involving a weapon being found on a Sachem student since Sept. 5, according to police.

Two teens were arrested after an argument during which one of them brought a knife to Sachem North High School in Lake Ronkonkoma, police said.

A 15-year-old boy flashed a knife at his bus stop and was met by staff members as he left the bus outside the school, police said, adding that the knife was found, and officers were notified.

The teen was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor, according to police.

A further investigation by 4th Precinct Crime Section officers found that the 15-year-old had previously been threatened by another 15-year-old boy in July, police said.

That teen was also arrested and charged with second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, according to police.

They were also not identified because they are minors.

Both teens were released to the custody of their parents and will be arraigned in Family Court on a later date.

Following the arrests, Sachem school district officials sent parents a letter, urging that they speak with their children about safety and appropriate behavior.

In a second letter to parents on Friday, Superintended Patricia Trombetta said the brass knuckles were found in "an authorized backpack search conducted in conjunction with a separate disciplinary matter."

"I must stress, that at no time was there a threat made to the safety of our students or staff and that the item was found because of a separate incident," she said. "The district takes these matters very seriously and, based on the nature of the item found, immediately contacted the Suffolk County Police Department."

She said the district is unable to provide any further details at this time because it is a police matter.

"Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our school community remains our top priority," she said.

She again reiterated her request for parents to have conversations with their children about "acting appropriately, as well as reminding them about the types of items not permitted to have on campus."

"These matters are taken very seriously, and anyone found in violation will not only face disciplinary action in accordance with our Code of Character, but also legal ramifications as applicable," she said. "As always, if you see or learn something concerning, please be sure to contact the district immediately. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding."