Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a 12-year-old boy has been charged after deputies found he had brought two replica BB pistols to West Thibodaux Middle School on Tuesday, October 22.

Through investigation, the school resource officer at the school learned a male student had two replica BB guns in his possession. The officer located the male student in the area near portable buildings at the school. After searching the area, the officer found one of the pistols on the ground under a portable building. The student was found to be carrying the other pistol in his waistband. Following an investigation, the student was charged with violating Louisiana R.S. 14:95.2 which prohibits carrying a dangerous weapon onto school property. He was then released to the custody of his mother.

“All guns, including BB guns, are strictly prohibited on school property,” said Sheriff Webre. “Not only are BB guns dangerous, but law enforcement officers will most often not have the time or ability to distinguish a replica pistol from an actual firearm and will treat the situation as though there is a real firearm present. It’s imperative that any gun of this nature be easily distinguishable from a real firearm.”