Police question Iowa City High student about gun at school

A 15-year-old male student at Iowa City High is being questioned by Iowa City police after reportedly bringing a gun to school.

Sgt. Denise Brotherton said on Friday another student saw Tyler D. Wright with a gun and told Assistant Principal Terry Coleman today.

The student was confronted by Coleman and took off running from the school, Brotherton said. She said Coleman called police and stayed on the phone with them while he chased the student, who was taken into custody near the school.

No ammunition was found in the gun or in the area, Brotherton said.

The student cooperated with police, Brotherton said, and he and his family are being questioned by police.

Brotherton said there was no evidence suggesting the incident was linked to a possible school shooting.

Brotherton said the incident has been turned over to school officials, since there is no public safety threat and officers are no longer on scene.

According to the district's weapons policy, a student who brings a handgun to school can be expelled for at least a year.

Coleman said a news release about the incident would be sent to parents. Here is the text of the release:

“Today, an allegation was brought to the attention of City High administration that on Friday, April 16th a student showed a pistol to another student on school grounds.  As a result, the City High administration investigated this allegation.  During the investigation, we enlisted the help of law enforcement.  During the course of questioning, the student left campus and was taken into custody by the ICPD. The student was found to have an unloaded weapon in his possession that was taken by police.  At no time did the student threaten anyone with this weapon.  Students and staff at City High are safe and this situation is under control and does not represent a public safety threat.”