Northside student accused of pointing fake gun also suspected of gang participation

A student accused of pointing a fake gun at another Wednesday at Northside High School is facing participation in criminal gang activity charge, Columbus police said.

The 17-year-old male student was taken into custody after an investigation in the 1:20 p.m. incident at the atrium outside the main office at 2002 American Way. He also was charged with carrying or possessing a weapon on school property, pointing a gun or pistol at another and held in the Muscogee County Jail for a hearing in Recorder’s Court.

No criminal gang was identified in the report on the student’s arrest.

No injuries were reported in the incident and police seized the fake weapon without incident.

Mercedes Parham, director of communications for the Muscogee County School District, said administrators immediately notified law enforcement after they received a report from witnesses.

Under school district policy, students are prohibited from carrying weapons or replicas of weapons of any kind on campus. Parham said the school district will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and personnel.