La Crosse police respond to loaded gun found in Central High School 16-year-old’s jacket

A loaded gun was discovered in a jacket left behind by a 16-year-old Central High School student on Friday morning, according to La Crosse Police.

A Central staff member discovered the gun and contacted the School Resource Officer, who secured the weapon.

The student was contacted and then taken into custody, police said.

They’re charged with possession of a firearm in a school, possession of dangerous weapon by person under 18, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of THC with an enhancer for possessing it at a school.

The weapon was found around 8:40 a.m. The School District of La Crosse sent a letter to parents about an hour later, notifying them of the loaded firearm found.

“Our highest priority is the safety of our students, staff, and community,” the letter said. “Central High School administration, staff, and the La Crosse Police Department acted quickly, following established safety protocols to ensure the school remained secure.”