In a troubling incident at Maplewood Middle School in Overland Park, Kansas, a 13-year-old girl was taken into custody for pointing her fingers in the shape of a gun at her classmates. The event occurred on September 18th, and local authorities have since charged her with a felony.
According to Chief of Police Mark Jenkins, the situation escalated when another student asked the girl to identify “five people you would kill.” In response, she made a finger gun gesture towards those students and then pointed her fingers at her own head. This action prompted several students to report their fears through an anonymous online platform provided by the Shawnee Mission School District for bullying reports.
Following the reports, Maplewood Middle School principal Lisa Thornton interviewed the girl, and the school resource officer was subsequently notified. While Jenkins could not discuss the minor’s previous disciplinary actions, he emphasized that the arrest was not solely based on the gesture itself. “The students involved were truly scared of this individual,” he stated. “Taking into account the overall context and the genuine fear expressed by the students, an arrest was warranted.”
The girl now faces charges related to making criminal threats and has been placed in a juvenile detention facility. Her uncle, Tom Miller, who resides in California, expressed concern over the potential consequences she may face. “This seems like something that could have been resolved at the school level without escalating to this point,” he remarked. “She was just joking around.”
The police chief stood firm on his decision, asserting that preventing potential school violence is a top priority. “I’ll accept any backlash for arresting a 13-year-old,” Jenkins said. “I refuse to risk not acting and possibly allowing a tragedy to unfold.”
This case stands out as it is the first of its kind in the U.S. to result in a felony charge for such behavior, differing from previous instances where students have faced suspension or other forms of discipline for similar actions. While incidents of hand gestures resembling firearms have sparked discussions about school safety, this particular case raises questions about appropriate responses to perceived threats.
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In summary, a 13-year-old girl in Kansas was arrested for making a finger gun gesture at classmates, leading to felony charges. Her arrest has sparked debate over school safety protocols and the appropriate handling of such incidents.