Fall River Public Schools Superintendent issues statement after juvenile found with loaded gun near school

FALL RIVER — The following is a statement from Fall River Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley concerning an incident Wednesday near a Fall River school that led to the arrest of a juvenile on gun charges:

“Earlier today, a 17-year-old was arrested by Fall River Police in the vicinity of the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy. According to Fall River Police, the individual, who was apprehended, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm.

“While originally reported that the youth was found on school property, that was not the case.

“Once alerted to the developing events, Principal Kyle Riley immediately followed district safety protocols by initiating a school-wide lockdown. Once the Fall River Police Department notified the administration that there was no danger to the school, the lockdown was lifted, classes resumed as normal and Principal Riley sent a message to families via our ParentSquare communication portal. 

“The Fall River Public Schools is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff. We are grateful for the swift and professional response of the Fall River Police Department regarding a potentially dangerous situation near one of our schools. We will continue to work closely with local law enforcement and our Director of Safety to ensure that all our schools remain secure environments for learning.”