Indian Trail Student Makes Threat, Brings Gun To School, School Resource Officer Misses It During Pat Down

Copied!
Indian Trail High School & Academy
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

At about 6:00 p.m. last night, an automated message from Indian Trail and Academy Principal Scott Kennow went out to ITA parents about a student who “snapped” a threat involving a gun saying something to the effect of “I’m going to take care of business.” Kennow, in his statement stated that KUSD did not believe that there was a credible threat:

Paid Advertisement

Good evening, Indian Trail families. This is Principal Kennow calling to share that today we were made aware of a threatening social media post depicting a student with a weapon. Upon learning of this, we immediately notified the Kenosha Police Department. The individual was quickly identified, detained, and full disciplinary procedures will be implemented.

Paid Advertisement

While we do not believe that students and staff are in danger, Kenosha Unified takes all threats against schools, staff, and students seriously. If students are guilty of such threats, disciplinary action and criminal charges will be imposed. Please talk to your children about being mindful of what they say in school and post online. We must work together to make our learning environment a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

Paid Advertisement

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 262-359-8700. Thank you.”

Paid Advertisement

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the 16-year-old student did, in fact have a gun in the school. The school’s SRO (School Resource Officer) patted the student down, but didn’t find the gun, that was apparently well-hidden between his scrotum and his anus.

At least one additional officer missed the gun, but finally, a Kenosha Police Officer found it. The teen is expected to be charged with several felonies including possession of a firearm on school grounds and making a terroristic threat.

Paid Advertisement

KCE received many tips that KUSD put out a false or misleading statement through Principal Kennow, however, KCE can confirm that KUSD didn’t learn of the real threat until after the gun was discovered and KUSD was made aware.

Paid Advertisement

According to a criminal defense attorney, this case will likely be waived into adult court because of the seriousness of the charges and the age of the suspect.

Paid Advertisement

KCE is withholding the name of the student until he is formally charged.

Paid Advertisement

The following is a joint statement from KUSD and Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton:

“We want to provide you with an important update. Yesterday, we addressed concerns about a social media post depicting a weapon. Today, we were informed that a gun was found in the student’s possession after they were detained and processed through juvenile intake. While the student did not use the weapon to threaten students or staff during the school day, it was in their possession.

Two officers conducted initial searches that did not uncover the weapon. However, a subsequent search revealed it during the student’s detention. The Kenosha Police Department is handling the matter, and appropriate charges will be filed. The district will also impose disciplinary action in line with board policy.

Upon learning of the social media post, Kenosha Unified staff acted swiftly and implemented the threat assessment process. This process included identifying the individual involved, securing their location, and collaborating with the Kenosha Police Department to ensure safety.

The Kenosha Police Department is reviewing this incident to evaluate whether the procedures used by each of the officers were performed in accordance with training standards. We are also working with Kenosha Unified to avoid future incidents like this from happening again.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our schools.”

***UPDATE (12/4/2024 @ 4:48 p.m.)***

Lt. Josh Hecker – Kenosha Police
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

On Wednesday afternoon, Kenosha Police Lt. Josh Hecker release the following statement:

“On Monday, 12/02/24, around 10:30 AM the school resource officer at Indian Trail High School and Academy in Kenosha received information that a SnapChat photograph was circulating which showed a 16-year-old ITA student (10TH Grade) possessing a firearm. An investigation immediately began with the SRO and school officials. The student was quickly located and escorted to an office to be searched. The student was arrested at the school and transported to the police department. He was charged with one count of each of the following: Terrorist Threats-Public Panic or Fear; Possession of a firearm on grounds of a school; carrying a concealed weapon; and possession of dangerous weapon by minor. The student is currently detained in a juvenile detention facility awaiting the next court hearing.

The investigation later revealed that the student did in fact have a firearm concealed in a sensitive area. The manner in which the firearm was concealed made it very difficult for the initial officers to locate. The Kenosha Police Department is conducting an internal review of the incident to determine if any policy violations and/or training issues exist.”

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

High-Speed Chase Ends in Courtroom: One Faces Potential Child Pornography Charges

Kenosha, Wis. — A 23-year-old Milwaukee man who led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase through western Kenosha County is being held on $75,000 cash bail as prosecutors weigh possible child pornography charges related to his relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Jose Luis Soto-Nunez appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on March 27 and faces six felony charges stemming from the March 26 incident, including fleeing police, multiple counts of recklessly endangering safety, and operating a

Read More »

New Christian School Opens in Kenosha With Free Tuition for Eligible Families

Kenosha, Wis. — A new private school offering free tuition for qualifying families has opened in Kenosha, thanks to a partnership between Shining Star Christian Schools and Heritage Baptist Church. The new campus is located inside Heritage Baptist Church at 2313 17th Ave., and enrollment is now open for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Pastor Curtis McMiller, who leads the church, said he’s excited to welcome families and provide children with access to a quality,

Read More »
MORE TOP STORIES

Salem Man Gets Two-Year Sentence in Fond du Lac Despite High-Speed Chase, Firearm, and Drug Allegations

Kenosha, Wis. — A 24-year-old Salem man with a long history of criminal charges was sentenced to just two years in prison last month after pleading guilty to multiple felonies tied to a 2021 high-speed chase that endangered motorists and law enforcement in Fond du Lac County. Trenton Benjamin Kmiec, the son of local attorney and ousted politician, Theodore “Ted” Kmiec, appeared before Fond du Lac County Circuit Judge Tricia Walker on Feb. 25, 2025. Walker

Read More »

Deputy Suspended Over Retaliatory Traffic Stop After Middle Finger Incident

Kenosha, Wis. — The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has disciplined a deputy who conducted a questionable traffic stop after a driver gave him the middle finger — a gesture protected by the First Amendment. Deputy Manuel Mandujano Jr. received a one-day unpaid suspension and mandatory constitutional policing training following an internal investigation into the February 1 incident, which gained traction online after video footage was posted to the “LackLuster” YouTube channel. The footage showed Mandujano initiating

Read More »

Salem Elementary Teacher Arrested After Alleged THC-Fueled Disturbance at Home

Kenosha, Wis. — A preschool teacher at Salem Elementary School was arrested late Saturday night after authorities say she ingested THC edibles and began behaving violently inside her Salem Lakes home. Melissa E. Briggs, 42, was taken into custody by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department just after 11 p.m. Deputies responded to the 10000 block of 256th Avenue after her husband called 911, reporting that Briggs was experiencing a mental health crisis and pounding on a

Read More »

Body Cam Footage Contradicts Pastor’s Claim of Cooperation in Youth Minister Sex Crime Case

Kenosha, Wis. – Despite publicly claiming that Journey Church was cooperating with police, newly released body-worn camera footage obtained by Kenosha County Eye reveals that lead pastor Kevin Taylor declined to give a statement to investigators following the arrest of a fellow pastor now charged with 15 felonies involving intimate images of two women. Gabriel Mills, a former “Guest Experience Pastor” at Journey Church in Kenosha, was first arrested on September 30, 2024. According to a

Read More »

Dominick Black Violates Probation, Faces Arrest Warrant If He Fails To Return To Wisconsin

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has notified a Kenosha County judge that Dominick Black, a probationer best known for his connection to the Kyle Rittenhouse case, violated the terms of his probation and is being ordered back to Wisconsin. In a letter sent yesterday to Judge Angelina Gabriele, Probation and Parole Agent Kimberly Ruhle reported that Black failed a drug test, was kicked out of substance use programming, and missed a mandatory probation

Read More »

Illinois Man Faces 46 New Charges, Possible Life In Prison After Multi-Agency Highway Pursuit

Kenosha, Wis. — An Illinois man already out on bond for multiple pending felony cases in Kenosha County was charged Thursday with 46 new counts in connection to a daytime police chase that spanned multiple jurisdictions and ended on the interstate. John S. Miller, 56, of Zion, now faces a staggering range of charges including first-degree recklessly endangering safety, criminal damage to property, fleeing and eluding police, and 36 counts of felony bail jumping. Prosecutors say

Read More »

County Executive Kerkman Announces Call For Nominations For Inaugural Kenosha County Veteran Of The Year Award

County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced the establishment of a new award honoring outstanding veterans in Kenosha County. The Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award seeks to honor veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service. This year’s award will be presented at Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic, to be held May 30 at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Nominations for the inaugural award are being accepted until 5 p.m. April

Read More »

Kenosha Nurse Arrested for OWI After Son’s 911 Call, Claims Police Conspiracy

Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha nurse was arrested Friday evening for operating while intoxicated after her 9-year-old son called emergency services, saying he and his brother were home alone and hadn’t eaten. But what began as a routine OWI arrest has since spiraled into a bizarre string of conspiracy claims posted online by the woman at the center of the case. Police responded to the home around 7:30 p.m. on March 21 after the child reported

Read More »

Leadership Kenosha Announces 2025 Graduation Celebration and Award Winner

Leadership Kenosha is excited to announce its 2025 Graduation Celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m. at The Stella Hotel and Ballroom – 5706 8th Ave. Each year, the participating cohort is recognized for completing the program at a graduation ceremony. The 2024-2025 cohort is made up of 21 community leaders, representing 18 unique organizations.With much to celebrate, KACC invites all alumni and members to join in on recognizing them.

Read More »

Gateway President Ritu Raju Exiting Amid Internal Turmoil, Board Politics

Kenosha, Wis. — Gateway Technical College President and CEO Dr. Ritu Raju is departing the school after just over two years on the job. The news comes on the heels of her being named a finalist for the presidency at Minnesota’s SouthCentral College—but sources tell Kenosha County Eye that Raju’s exit was imminent, regardless of whether she is offered the new position. While Raju has cited personal reasons for the move, including the loss of her

Read More »
Categories
Archives
Authors

162 Responses

    1. That Chief hasn’t met a camera he doesn’t like. Seems like he’s all about getting himself in the news. Lots of DEI promotions and appointments too.

      27
      4
          1. Xavier Solis was a DEI candidate. Doesn’t matter if he got elected or not. He was still a DEI candidate. Shameful.

            4
            30
            1. White trash will always be white trash. Grow up a bit. Maybe the minorities helping this country prosper can teach you something.

              4
              5
              1. The “minorities” can’t even get a spot on the cabinet for Trump, they aren’t worth it anyway.

            2. When you’re talking about someone with a juris doctorate, who ran against another individual in an election— and won— it’s FAR from a DEI candidate.

              Also, this sort of babbling about DEI stinks of Steffany Caputo. Maybe crawl back under Sgt. Hard’s bed, you ugly troll.

              1. It’s so warm under his bed. Didn’t Kamala Harris have a jurisdiction doctorate? Hadn’t she won a handful of elections? Seems like your brain is slighted slanted. Seems to be a dou le standard when speaking about DEI issues. Maybe your brain hurts from such complex thoughts.

        1. Oh, I didn’t realize ‘DEI hire’ was code for (D)emocratically (E)lected (I)ndividual….by a landslide. Thanks for clarifying!

    1. For one thing half of this article was made up as to the letter that went out to to parents. NO WHERE IN IT, DOES IT SAY A CHILD SNAPED!
      It’s pretty sad that someone’s need to feel important has to add things that are untruthful.
      Besides that FACT, what is going on with parents being parents these days? How in the hell does a child get ahold of a gun and take it to school without the so called parents not knowing about it? Just CRAZY these aren’t locked up to begin with. Don’t give me the crap that the kid could’ve got the gun from anyone. Responsible Gun Owners don’t leave their guns laying around, they lock them up when not in their possession.
      Come on want to be parents, so called parents, you must do a better job. I would bet that your the first ones to vote YES on these referendums giveing the schools more money also.
      Us home owners are sick and tired of paying more taxes as to your inabilitys to parent your Hoodlums.

      1
      2
  1. I guess maybe we all “missed” the press release from KPD on this? How about an update? They have a full time position to do releases I thought. Pleasant Prairie PD seems to do releases whenever things the citizens would want to know about, why not KPD?
    KPD usually just hasTanya Ruder do a press release for them I guess?

        1. Shouldn’t a gun between the ass cheeks be “findable” with a somewhat aggressive pat down ? Not a finger poke but with a flat hand pressure pat down ?

          Inquiring minds want to know

          7
          1
          1. The pat down wasn’t done correctly. Some inmates even try to make complaints against officers if the pat search IS done CORRECTLY because the search HAS to include all the crevices! It has to be that way for THIS reason. You should be able to find a razor blade or a bag of drugs if the pat down is done the right way! Did nobody learn from the incident that happened with the guy who shot and killed himself handcuffed in the back of the police car over the summer? Get these police officers trained properly! Do the pat down CORRECTLY and save some lives!

            9
            1
  2. not officer hot cop, not doing his job?! gasp. I’ll save my comments on the district itself, for another day though.

    7
    1
    1. WHY THE HECK should the homeowners in Kenosha have to continually be held responsible for the parents of these Hoodlums NOT KNOWING HOW TO PARENT? BS,

      1
      1
  3. Horrible that this student had a gun. Disgusting that the officer couldn’t even perform a basic function of their job and do a proper pat down. Despicable that PSB employees are not safe at work. They have been asking for metal detectors for years and keep getting denied. What does it take, a death for change?! DO BETTER.

    16
    1. Please, as if the School Resource Officer is going to pat down a minors scrotum and anus. Leave that to the real police, asking for a lawsuit in today’s America.

      21
      2
        1. KPD Policy says minimum of 5 years on the job before being eligible for the SRO position. Wonder how he got the job???

      1. What if something BAD had happened would you say he’s allowed to make an error or two? Maybe a few years on 3rd shift will help them?

          1. Police are trained to do pat downs CORRECTLY. This one was FINALLY done the correct way and the gun was found. You have to check everywhere.

            Speaking of SA, what’s really sad is the school district doesn’t take as swift action against it’s own teachers for SA claims and charges made against them. Teachers are allowed to “resign” and just head to another school district to get hired and do it all over again.

            1. I’ve been properly patted down at airports, gov’t buildings, and amusement parks. Not once did I feel violated because they used a metal detecting wand around my private parts. A simple wand could have discovered the gun.

    1. Please explain how this is any fault of the principal. I’ve only heard one person say anything about the parents on here. Let’s blame them for sending this misfit to school with a gun.

      1. Yeah shame on the parent, but a Cop learned of a statement/post about a student having a gun. Student found but gun was not. We all know about shit parents but they Cop was the person who could have stopped it all. But he couldn’t because he couldn’t find a gun.

  4. Listen to you idiots just blaming the officer. He obviously made a mistake, I’m sure you never make a mistake at your job bagging groceries or taking orders at McDonald’s. Blame the fucken parents and the kid.

    5
    14
    1. I Agree , no reason to blame the cop or the Principal , who both did what they had to do. Not their fault the kid shoved a gun up his ass

      7
      2
  5. Most of these kusd employees and SROs are buddies with all these idiot kids. This Kenosha county eye has had numerous teachers, SROs exposed for just that. Look at even the old counselor at Indian trail, barker was siding with fuller after he killed a girl! Quit being friends and be god damn re models!

    5
    1
    1. Also Parents, Stop Being A Friend To Your Hoodlum kids, BE Parents. What the heck if you wanted a friend you so called parents you should have bought a fish, a puppy or a kitten. Parenting Requires Brains.

  6. Let’s all sit up here on our high horses and judge actions that we don’t even know happened or not, and what the circumstances were.

    5
    4
    1. It’s a septic tank, can’t wait to leave in 3 years. Thailand is the place to be, not Kenosha in shit hole Wisconsin.

      2
      5
  7. Patton is too busy going to his stupid classes or seminars for his dumb titles (which we all can see don’t mean shit because they can’t even do basic ass policing).

    5
    2
      1. It’s called a meaningless-ass title if you are a cop and it means fucking nothing if you can’t even educate your officers on how to conduct searches.

        But, hey….I’m sure they serve really good food at these seminars and training classes.

        1. There are certain procedures and policies to follow when working in law enforcement. You people are running off at the mouth when you don’t even know The circumstances involved.

  8. Wow…never been on here before. There sure is a plethora of weirdos to go around. A solid bunch of basement dwelling scumbags. Cheers nerds! 😂

    6
    4
  9. The moment you claim to have a gun at school you should lose all privacy rights. Immediate cavity search. For those who think they can say those things as a “joke” FAFO. That’s how you fix the problem

    11
    1
  10. So looks like KPD dropped the ball a couple times, and didn’t tell KUSD about it until the day after. Why wouldn’t Kpd do a press release last night about a student with a gun at school? Why do we have to wait for KCEYE to report, prompting KUSD to make a statement?
    Kpd should have done a release 24 hours prior. So the Lieutenant who’s in charge of press releases ($125 k per year) was just “too busy” to do a release? Kpd is very poorly run, and full of many incompetent supervisors.

    6
    1
      1. You all keep saying parents, be real, it is PARENT and more than likely a 350 lbs black lady sucking the government tit.

        3
        1
      1. Fuck that, 90% of LE are power hungry assholes and literally are good for nothing else. I have a brain and earn 3 x their earnings, so no thanks!

        1
        1
  11. From what has been shared it appears the school acted promptly. I suspect body cavity searches are not standard practice in the school as they are at the PD. It is likely an arrest has to be made, miranda rights given, before searching body cavities? The individual was a juvenile, so other legal protections are in place.
    Please keep in mind, this further supports “see something say something”. Kudos to the kids that did.
    Please also use this, as a heads up, if the individual came to school with a gun hidden, and this individual is a friend of your child they could do the same at your home, or any public business. Know your childrens friends. Use the apps on electronic devices to know what your children are doing and seeing. Have discussions on handling of guns, ramifications of threats, etc.
    This individual got the gun somewhere, that person should also be held responsible.
    Bashing the Police chief serves no purpose. He and the superintendent are demonstrating a united front, appropriately so. There are issues both need to handle within their respective domains. A prominent one seems to be how and when parents are notified.
    For the person mentioning a lock down. The school isolated the individual, no need to lock the school down. Get informed and understand school safety. Contact your state representatives and DPI on transparent and timely reporting of these events. I.e. with the recent Roosevelt event, per the news, middle school admins had not let KPD know of comments and behavior of student prior to the event. There needs to be better defined criteria on reporting to LE from schools.

    9
    3
  12. The police OWE ALL OF US a Full Description of HOW an “over the clothes” search is done and even trained for.

    We are talking about a procedure that is obviously a big part of an officers training.

    Let’s get the Chief to explain the process. Demonstrate the actual procedure on a similar size and clothed adult and explain why it took three tries to get it right.
    And curious that they kept looking ????
    Did the second officer not believe the first ??
    Did the third officer not believe the second ??

    Inquiring minds want to know

    1. Often times when there is a mention of a weapon, two officers may search the party. Also – I’m assuming the kid was transported somewhere – detention or the PD, based on the threats that he made. Before the transporting officer puts an individual into their vehicle, they also would do a search because they are responsible for anyone and anything that enters their squad. That *could* explain why 3 officers did a search.

        1. @Still, the news articles that I have seen all state that the gun was found at juvenile intake, which I believe means when he was being processed at the juvenile detention center.

          2
          1
        2. Kpd press release says when the third pay down/search was conducted they found the gun. I’m sure that’s what the report says.

  13. I’d like to know what the training standards are for searches as well, and what are the requirements to earn your position as a school officer? Kpd should really have a policy that mandates a minimum amount of experience to be promoted to school officer. Does KUSD choose who gets placed there, or does the police chief choose?

  14. Clearly, the SRO
    And first officer (?) Didn’t change
    From being a fried
    To being a policing official.

    Seems TSA can to a better job.
    Un paid leave for both for this basic failure to police!

  15. Maybe someone can look into how kpd does selections for positions. They (allegedly)recently held some interviews where the people conducting the interviews had romantic involvements with some of the interviewing candidates I heard. I wonder how they turned out, and if someone could compel the interview panel to disclose that?

  16. What is with all the Patton hate? “He loves being in front of the camera”? What do you think transparency and accountability look like? Fucking mouth breathers in this comment section.

    1. Transparency? Seriously? KPD has yet to put out a media release. This was a kid with a GUN in the SCHOOL. Great transparency.

  17. How about- has KPD recommended and asked for adult charges or not? Police get to ask/recommend charges to juvenile intake and/or the DA’s office. The DAs office reviews the facts, and decides. What was the kpd’s recommendation?
    Which member of the DA’s office is reviewing?

      1. That may be. But the “last time” a couple weeks ago a juvenile had a gun at school the police were releasing info, and the suspects name was out there, and the police told us all they were seeking adult charges. This just seems like it was going to be covered up. Like the police didn’t even tell KUSD the person had a gun until the next day- why not? Why did the police not do a press release Monday when the found the gun? I guarantee Pleasant’s prairie police would’ve done a release on that day.
        The police department should never rely on the schools press person, they have their own.
        The fire department wouldn’t have the police do a press release on a fire, why does Kpd slack in this area?

  18. His gun was placed in his crotch area and I highly doubt a police officer is going to pat down his penis area without being accused of molesting a student.

      1. You, since you want to fondle junk so much. Did you know they do a more thorough search at the station? That’s why they tell the suspect to declare any hidden weapons or drugs because the charges will be higher if they discover it at the station. If they did a thorough search on every suspect I’m sure you’d be bitching about all the lawsuits KPD would be fighting. Some people just like to bitch.

        1
        1
  19. All the people in this and they interview fucken Landry on the news? What’s ladies a joke and she hasn’t done shit since elected. And her husband, what a joke he is too.

      1. Hey, the President-Elect is, too! If Kevvy bear could file charges against himself for motorboating his own cleavages, he probably would be too! 🤣🤣🤣 but he doesn’t want anyone to see that video. I wouldn’t either, it’s gross. 🤮🤮🤮

    1. You sound like you have a personal connection there, or at least experience with them. Care to elaborate? Spill the deets!? Inquiring minds want to know.

  20. SRO just wanted to get back to his big fancy wrapped SUV with the ITA logo on it. So he look cool driving his new whip

  21. I had a feeling that’s where he hid the gun! Just like the guy who killed himself in the police car. I’m not sure a pat down includes handling someone’s junk….yes it should be but what if he didn’t have a gun and you just fondled him? You know how this will go smfh! How about you quit fucken playing & get metal detectors in these schools!! KUSD wants all this money from us tax payers for bullshit! How about spending to save lives!

    1. It’s a search for a weapon by an officer. In this case there was information where a weapon was known to be in,on, near that persons crotch. They absolutely will be touching all up in those areas because it’s for safety. It’s not to hurt feelings. Police don’t have a scanner like tsa, they have their hands, that’s it.

  22. If kpd still had officer Josh Sylvester there checking crotches of people in custody we wouldn’t be reading this.

  23. Can the police department post a picture of the gun, with a tape measure next to it? Are we can see how small or large it was?

  24. Still waiting to see the length and size of this gun that was known t be there but somehow wasn’t found…. Spokesman? Press release? Anyone?

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS
Categories
Archives
Authors

Subscribe to updates

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.