Mesquite Independent School District (ISD) officials have reported the discovery of a firearm on the premises of John Horn High School during the first day of the 2023-2024 school year. The incident, which occurred on Monday, came to light as administrators were enforcing the district's new clear bag policy.
According to Mesquite ISD, administrators at John Horn High School were conducting bag checks in line with the newly implemented clear bag policy, which mandates the use of transparent bags for items such as backpacks, purses, and tote bags. During the implementation of this policy, school staff encountered an issue with a student's non-compliant bag.
Mesquite police reported that an altercation arose between the student and school staff as the former was being instructed to store his non-compliant bag in accordance with the new policy. During this confrontation, it was observed that the student attempted to conceal his bag among others in the room.
In response to the situation, School Resource Officers were summoned, and a K9 unit was deployed. The K9 unit indicated the presence of an odor commonly associated with firearms or ammunition emanating from the bag in question. Upon inspection, law enforcement discovered a Ruger 9mm handgun concealed inside the backpack. It was later revealed that the firearm had been reported as stolen.
The student responsible for bringing the weapon to school has been identified as 17-year-old Demarea Smith. He now faces charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a prohibited place. Mesquite ISD affirmed that the student's actions would also prompt disciplinary measures in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Despite the concerning incident, Mesquite ISD emphasized that there were no known threats connected to the incident.
