Authorities in Louisiana Respond to Report of Suspicious Person On School Campus with a Gun

Authorities in Louisiana responded to a report of a suspicious person on a school campus with a gun.

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana - St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann reported on February 16, 2023, that deputies responded to a call for service at Chalmette High School at approximately 1:30 p.m. in regard to a suspicious person seen with a rifle in the Ninth Grade Academy's rear parking lot.

Deputies swiftly spotted the suspect and discovered that he was a Chalmette High School art teacher involved in a theater performance who was carrying a prop gun that had been brought into the school for an upcoming production.

The art teacher was reportedly unaware of the recent spate of events that had raised concerns about campus safety. To be safe, the school was placed on lockdown for a brief time until the incident was secured and no imminent risk was determined.

Deputies were already on campus due to an off-campus incident involving numerous Chalmette High School students that occurred yesterday in Meraux.

Sheriff Pohlmann stated that deputies will remain on campus for the sake of safety.

Related: One Louisiana Juvenile Arrested, Five Others Issued Summons After Altercation Involving a Firearm