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Parents in Le Roy alerted after report of unloaded gun hidden in tree on campus

By Howard B. Owens

A report of a gun on the Le Roy High School campus prompted a statement to parents earlier this week from the school district about the incident, but authorities say students were never in any danger.

The weekend incident began with a burglary on South Street. Items stolen included cash, jewelry and, it wasn't learned until later, a shotgun, said Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster.

Earlier, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old had been reported missing from a foster home.

Det. John Condidorio, Le Roy PD, observed the two youths walking in the village and stopped to speak with them. He notified the Sheriff's Office and Deputy John Duyssen and Youth Officer Tim Wescott responded.

The youths were identified as suspects in the burglary as a result of interviews.

At first, only money and jewels were reported missing. Later, the Sheriff's Office learned of the stolen shotgun.

Through subsequent interviews, deputies were able to locate and secure the unloaded gun, which had been hidden in a tree on school property.

Brewster notified the school district of the possibility of a gun on campus as soon as that information was obtained.

The 16-year-old, Johnathan Michael Falk, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with burglary, 2nd. He was jailed without bail.

The 14-year-old is being referred to Family Court.

Here is the statement issued by Superintendent Kim Cox after the incident:

Over the weekend the Genesee County Sheriff's department investigated a theft of an unloaded firearm from a residence on South Street. The item was found hidden in a tree at the edge of the Jr. Sr. High School property and South Street. It was recovered quickly after it was reported missing. The involved individuals were apprehended and are in police custody. I want to stress that at no time were any students or staff in any danger. The investigation of the incident is still ongoing. Once again, at no time was there any threat to students or staff at the Jr. Sr. High School. Thank you and have a good day.

Samantha Dieter

This has honestly scared me, I have a son in the elmentary school and if it would not of been for my mother in law seeing something about this previously I would have never known. I understand not wanting to put the town in a panic but do I no have a right to know that there was a gun on property in a timely manner or even at all?
I hate to assume the worst but I don't see any other reson for the gun to be hidden on school grounds if not to be used/shown/or threatened at the school.
South St is full of brush and forest and many many other hiding places other than the school grounds.
I also understand it was on the weekend but that point doesnt change my view on this situation.

Sep 18, 2014, 2:49pm Permalink

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