Middle schooler expelled after bringing antique gun to school

An eighth grade boy attending Bandera MIddle School was taken into police custody Wednesday, Jan. 25, after a black powder handgun was discovered inside his backpack.

“While the student did not threaten anyone, he was taken into custody on charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon and transferred to the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Facility,” said Interim Bandera City Marshal Rusty Pancoast.

Bandera ISD Superintendent Gary Bitzkie said in a press release the matter was handled as “an extremely serious violation of the student code of conduct.”

In a Facebook post, Angie Bush, claiming to be the student’s mother, said her son had been expelled from the school.

“Our son and family is so sorry,” she wrote in another post. “ He brought it foolishly not realizing the serious threat it would cause. He obsessively studies history and wars and had it as a display along with other soldier hats and items. It was an antique cap and ball and was completely disabled from ever being able to use. He was wrong and foolish. I assure that He did not desire or intend to harm. We are so sorry and our son now realizes the seriousness of what he did. [sic]” Bush did not respond to the Bulletin’s further request for comment by press time.

Pancoast said the case has been transferred to the Juvenile Probation Department and will be handled through the Bandera County Court.

Bitzkie said no other threats were found to exist on the campus and school continued as scheduled.

He directed those with questions or concerns to contact Bandera MIddle School Principal Patrick Sizemore at 830-460-3899.