Moses Lake student expelled for firearm

Shotgun part of hunting gear

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake High School student was expelled from school Monday for possession of a firearm on district property.

According to Moses Lake School District Special Assistant to the Superintendent P.J. De Benedetti, a citizen contacted police after witnessing a student showing another student a gun in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant.

The police contacted the student at the high school and searched his vehicle, De Benedetti stated.

"The police found the student's hunting equipment, including an unloaded shotgun, ammunition, knife, waders and duck decoys in the vehicle," he stated.

"There is no evidence or indication that the student intended to harm anyone and he never had the shotgun or other equipment out at the high school," he continued. "The student indicated that he was moving the equipment from one home to another and had just left it in his vehicle."

According to the Moses Lake Police Department, the gun was confiscated and the student is being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on school property.

In addition, the student was expelled, according to the district. It is against school policy to be in possession of a firearm on district property, De Benedetti stated.

"We do not believe that the student intended to harm anyone, but was negligent by having the shotgun in the car on campus," stated Assistant Principal James Yonko.

Superintendent Steve Chestnut thanked the citizen who notified law enforcement after seeing the shotgun.

Chestnut stated, even though the student didn't intend to harm anyone, district staff take school rules and policies seriously and needed to expel the student.

The highest priority of the school district is the safety of students and staff, he stated.

De Benedetti noted students received a letter to give parents, explaining the situation.