Smithtown High School West Student Arrested After Gun, Bullets Found In Backpack: Officials

SMITHTOWN, NY — A Smithtown High School West student was arrested Tuesday after an unloaded handgun and bullets were found in the student's backpack during an investigation into a reported conflict between two students, district officials said.

In an Oct. 27 letter to the school community, Smithtown Central School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur said administrators were investigating a reported conflict between two students when they learned that one of the students may have recently posted a photograph of a handgun on social media.

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School administrators immediately contacted the Suffolk County Police Department, and a school resource officer was dispatched to assist, Secaur said.

A search of the student's backpack uncovered an unloaded handgun and bullets, according to the superintendent. The student was arrested without incident, officials said.

Secaur said the district was continuing to investigate the incident but had no information indicating that the student had made a specific threat.

"At this time, we are not aware of any specific threat made by this student to another student, staff member, the Smithtown High School West, or District as a whole," Secaur wrote.

The superintendent said the student would face disciplinary consequences under the district's Code of Conduct in addition to any criminal charges brought by law enforcement.

Specific criminal charges were not disclosed in the superintendent's letter.

"We are also very thankful that a Smithtown student made us aware of the social media post which allowed us to act quickly and manage the situation effectively," Secaur wrote. "The old adage 'If you see something, say something' was adhered to and we are grateful."

The district said it was working with school administrators, security personnel and Suffolk County police to maintain the safety of students and staff.

Secaur said additional details could not be released because of the ongoing investigation and student privacy concerns.

"The presence of a weapon in our schools is deeply concerning, and we recognize the fear and uneasiness this incident may raise among our school community," he wrote. "We are taking this matter very seriously."