DATE: 08-28-2026
SUBJECT: Firearm Recovered at North High School; Juvenile Taken Into Custody
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-08228
CONTACT: Lt. Doug Daza
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has placed a 15-year-old North High School student in secure detention after a firearm was reported on school property and subsequently recovered by deputies.
Shortly after school began, a Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy was approached by students who reported that they believed another student was in possession of a firearm. The students told the deputy that the student had shown them the handgun.
Deputies identified the student and located a handgun inside a bag in the student’s locker. The handgun had a loaded magazine; however, no round was chambered.
The student was taken into custody and transported to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, where the student and the student’s parents were interviewed by detectives.
During the investigation, the student told detectives that the handgun had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle several days earlier by the student and another juvenile. The student said the firearm was taken to the student’s home, hidden outside, and later brought to school to show other students.
The student denied having any intention of harming anyone. At this time, investigators have found no evidence indicating that the student intended to use the firearm to cause harm.
Detectives also identified a second juvenile, age 13, who was interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office Operations Center. The second juvenile does not currently attend school in person. Investigators will determine whether charges related to the theft of the firearm are appropriate.
Detectives have also located the owner of the handgun. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional interviews are expected.
The 15-year-old student was transported to the Vanderburgh County Youth Care Center and placed in secure detention pending a hearing on the following alleged offenses:
- Possession of a Firearm on School Property — Level 6 Felony
- Dangerous Possession of a Firearm — Level 5 Felony
- Theft of a Firearm — Level 5 Felony
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend the students who immediately reported their concerns to the School Resource Deputy. Their decision to speak up allowed deputies to quickly locate the firearm and remove it from the school environment.
Sheriff Noah Robinson stated, “Our partnership with EVSC has allowed sheriff’s deputies to build trust with students, which is essential in order to keep the lines of communication open and our students safe.”
Because the individual involved is a juvenile, no additional identifying information will be released at this time.
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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