Lebanon teacher charged after bringing a gun to school

(Lebanon) — Lebanon City Police have charged a Lebanon Middle School teacher for bringing a gun into the school.

Information from police was released Thursday morning stating that on April 12 a handgun was found in Chad Thomas’ backpack. While cleaning Thomas’ office, a school custodian found the backpack containing the handgun, according to police.

“There is no information leading police to believe faculty or students were in danger or being targeted by Thomas. Thomas states he forgot the firearm was in the backpack,” the report stated.

This morning, Lebanon School District also released a statement

“Last Thursday, on April 12, 2018, a gun was found on our middle school property after school hours when our custodial team cleaned the building. This weapon belonged to a teacher, who mistakenly brought it on school property and had it stored within a protective case. Once found, proper protocols were followed and it was immediately reported to local authorities for investigation.

“We were fully cooperative with local authorities to maintain the integrity of the investigation, which meant we have been unable to comment on the investigation. Now that charges have been filed, the District will continue to cooperate with the process if and when called upon. 

“Most importantly, it should be known that at no time were staff or students in harm’s way. The safety of our staff and students is of paramount importance to us. We will continue to monitor our schools to ensure we have the safest environments to educate our students.

“We do not condone this teachers’ behavior, and we will continue to work with local authorities, comply with State reporting requirements, and the teacher will remain removed from all District buildings indefinitely until the District has a better understanding of how legal proceedings may conclude.”

This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The Lebanon Daily News.