Pilot Butte Middle School student accused of bringing gun to school released from custody over DA’s objections

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 12-year-old Pilot Butte Middle School student arrested last week on charges of bringing a loaded handgun to school with plans and an intended target list was released from custody by a juvenile court judge over the objections of prosecutors and others, Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels said Saturday.

Gunnels confirmed to NewsChannel 21 an initial report by KBND News that a hearing was held Thursday for the seventh-grader, who authorities said earlier had told a teacher the morning of October 21 that they had brought the loaded handgun from home.

The DA said the judge agreed to the student’s release despite the strong objections from his office and from the PBMS parents and students who were in the courtroom for the juvenile hearing, after being notified by the Victims Assistance program.

The student, whose name and gender has not been released, initially was taken to the county’s juvenile detention facility on suspicion of attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree theft, police said at the time. Criminal charges have been filed, KBND reported and Gunnels confirmed, but details have not been released due to the student's age.

A parent of the student was cited for improper storage of a firearm.

Bend-La Pine Schools continues to review the incident and held an after-action review last Tuesday, Communications Director Scott Maben said, confirming a report in The Bulletin.