By Michael V. Cusenza
A teenage boy last Wednesday was caught with a loaded firearm in his Ozone Park junior high school, according to the NYPD and published reports.
The 13-year-old snuck a .22-caliber handgun into MS 202. A fellow student notified the Lafayette school’s administration. The principal summoned the authorities and police subsequently took the boy into custody.
“Students and staff are safe, and we will work in close partnership with the NYPD as they conduct an investigation,” said a City Department of Education spokeswoman.
The following day, another MS 202 student was caught with a small knife. Cops noted that the 12-year-old boy’s kitchen blade was discovered by school security during an unannounced metal detector check.
According to authorities, the boy was issued a juvenile report and released to his parents.
Principal William Fitzgerald last Thursday sent a letter to all MS 202 parents and guardians detailing the Nov. 9 gun event.
“Yesterday, at 2:15 p.m., I sent parents a phone call via our ‘School Messenger’ system. The message stated that we had an incident involving the police and that further information would be sent to parents today. The same message was sent out again at 6:15 p.m.,” he wrote. “We assure you that every precaution was taken and will continue to be taken, to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Guidance Counselors and support staff are available, as always, to assist students as needed. We look forward to your continued partnership, as we work together to ensure that MS 202 continues to provide the best and safest learning environment possible for all of its students.”
Fitzgerald also encouraged anyone with questions to contact the MS 202 parent coordinator.
