FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 18, 2023) – August 17, 2023, started off as a regular day at Frankfort High School (FHS), but it quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal when students discovered a fight taking place in one of the school bathrooms. Little did they know, this altercation would involve the presence of a firearm.
The details of the ordeal was shared during a joint Frankfort Police Department (FPD) and Community of Schools of Frankfort (CSF) press conference at FPD headquarters that afternoon.
At approximately 8:00 A.M., students bravely alerted a FPD officer serving as FHS School Resource Officer (SRO) of the incident. Students reported seeing one of the students involved potentially carrying a firearm, as an ammunition magazine fell out during the scuffle. Acting swiftly, the SRO and school staff took immediate custody of the students involved.
During a thorough search, a small caliber handgun was found on the premises – no ammunition was discovered in the school or on the school bus that the student had used to commute that day. As a precautionary measure, the school was placed on an immediate lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
The incident also prompted a temporary lock-out at the nearby Frankfort Middle School, as a safety precaution due to its close proximity to the high school. Multiple officers, detectives, and command staff promptly responded to the scene, working alongside school administration staff to coordinate investigative efforts and guarantee the safety of those involved.
The suspect, a seventeen-year-old male, was transported by FPD to FPD headquarters, where detectives continued their investigation. The suspect was then taken to a juvenile detention facility – with assistance from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office – and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on school property.
A search of the juvenile’s home did not yield any other firearms.
By 9:40 A.M., all school operations had returned to normal. FPD Chief Scott Shoemaker expressed his gratitude for the students who reported the incident, emphasizing the value of the twenty-three-year partnership between FPD and CSF, which has allowed for the presence of an officer within the high school.
“I am thankful that the student witnesses reported the incident to school officials and our SRO,” stated Chief Shoemaker. “In a partnership with the Community Schools of Frankfort, we have had an officer in our high school for twenty-three years now.”
CSF Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda echoed Chief Shoemaker’s sentiments, emphasizing the strong partnership between the school district and the police department. He also highlighted the importance of preparedness and coordination in responding to critical incidents such as these, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
“We have a great partnership with the Frankfort Police Department,” stated Dr. Rhoda. “We have prepared for incidents of these types of critical incidents. Today was an example of how we respond in coordination with the police department to keep everyone safe.”
As the case now moves forward, the Clinton County prosecutor will review the details and determine formal charges.
