The holstered gun of a lunchroom parent/volunteer at Pinckney’s Navigator Upper Elementary School landed on the floor when the holster fell off the man’s belt as he was “engaging with students in the gym” on Friday, according to a letter that went out to district parents after 3 p.m.
The letter from Pinckney Superintendent Rick Todd and Navigator Principal Ruth Badalucco did not identify the parent, other than to say he is a “well-known, active and engaged volunteer during lunch/recess” who possesses a concealed pistol license.
According to the letter, after the holstered gun fell onto the gym floor, the parent and a few students realized what happened and notified a school employee, who reported the incident to Badalucco while the parent put the holster in his vehicle. Todd and the district’s resource officer were also immediately notified and both responded to the situation as well.
The school was not put on lockdown as Todd and Badalucco felt there was no immediate threat. According to the letter, the students who were with the parent in the gym responded to the situation with “composure and responsibility,” and that the students “never felt they were in any danger.”
The letter described the parent as feeling “extremely remorseful, embarrassed and responsible” for what happened.
Individuals licensed to carry a concealed pistol by Michigan or another state are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol in schools or on school property, but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up a student if they are a parent or legal guardian. Click here for the complete statutory text.
The district is following through with the incident as required by law: a full police report will be made and then sent to the Livingston County Prosecutor’s office. While the incident goes through the legal process, the parent will not be permitted to volunteer anywhere in the district.
The letter is below:
