Student in custody after gun was ‘accidentally discharged’ at North Forney High School

A student was taken into custody after a gun was accidentally fired at North Forney High School on Monday, authorities said.

No students or staff members were injured, officials said in a joint statement from Forney ISD and the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department.

One student was found with the gun, which was “accidentally discharged while handling the weapon,” authorities said. The student did not make any threat or intend to harm any students or staff, and authorities confiscated the weapon.

Officials did not provide any details about the student who was taken into custody, but Sheriff Bryan Beavers said in a statement that once the investigation was complete, the sheriff’s office would release details about the charges the student will face.

Another student was detained, but officials later determined that student was not involved.

“North Forney staff and our deputies worked together seamlessly under a very intense and stressful situation,” Beavers said. “No one wants to be in this situation, but we take comfort that our training worked as planned.”

The high school was placed on a precautionary lockdown at 11:30 a.m.

Nearby Smith Intermediate School was placed on a “lockout” as a precaution at the same time. The intermediate school’s lockout was lifted at 1:10 p.m., officials said.

North Forney High School remained in a “hold” status from 1:10 p.m. until the end of the school day. During the hold, students had to remain in classrooms and keep hallways clear while classes resumed normally, according to an emergency preparedness document on the district’s website.

“We know today has been difficult for students and staff at North Forney High School, but we are grateful that everyone is safe,” Forney ISD Superintendent Justin Terry said in a statement.