A 24-year-old Arnold man is still in federal custody today (Feb. 21) after law enforcement officials found at least two guns, ammunition and other items in the vehicle he had driven to and parked at Fox High School in Arnold on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 20), authorities reported.
Authorities say they don’t believe the man was at Fox High to “commit any act of violence,” but instead was there “to pick up a family member,” Arnold Police reported.
Fox C-6 Superintendent Jim Wipke said in a letter that was sent to district families that there were no threats made to the school in connection with the incident.
“I want to be very clear – law enforcement made their decisions based on what they found in the suspect’s car, not because of any plan or threat directed at our school or against the district,” Wipke wrote.
The incident began about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, when a Fox High employee spotted the man in the vehicle, along with a rifle and other “suspicious items,” and contacted Arnold Police.
After Arnold Police detained the man, federal authorities and the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit were called to the scene, and they seized the weapons, including a rifle and a handgun, as well as other items, Arnold Police reported.
Law enforcement authorities also searched the man’s home and other items found there were seized, according to the report.
The case was then turned over to the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
John Ham, an ATF spokesman, said the suspect was in federal custody today for “knowingly bringing a firearm into a school zone.”
Ham also said the suspect was expected to have his “initial appearance in front of a magistrate” today.
In addition, Ham said that during their searches of the suspect’s property, authorities found a “powder substance” that has been sent to the ATF explosives lab to be tested.
Wipke said in his letter that authorities asked district officials to cancel Tuesday evening activities at Fox High School.
Ham said the investigation is still underway.
Wipke also praised the “vigilance and attentiveness” of the Fox School District staff.
“We knew about this situation due to the watchful eye of an employee and his quick work to follow district policy and safety procedures by reporting it to appropriate personnel,” Wipke said. "We are committed to continuing to focus on quality safety practices in order to keep our staff and students safe. The safety and security of our students, staff and the security of our buildings remains top priority.”