Student accused of bringing BB gun to Monarch High School

Student's friend told teacher about weapon, police say

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – A South Florida student was arrested Wednesday, a day after he brought a BB gun to school, authorities said.

According to Coconut Creek police spokesman Scotty Leamon, the student took the BB gun to Monarch High School in a backpack Tuesday and showed it to a friend.

Leamon said the friend told a teacher about the incident Wednesday morning and authorities were notified.

Leamon said the student was arrested on a charge of possession of a weapon on school grounds.

It appears the student never brandished the BB gun while on campus, but instead kept it in his backpack, Leamon said.

The student was identified as 17-year-old Richard Saint Leger. 

A Broward County Public Schools spokeswoman said a robocall from the principal was sent to parents who have children that attend the school.

"I am glad he was caught. I don't want to ever see anybody hurt," one parent said.

Although Leger was arrested, some students said they are still worried about their safety.

"I think that the security needs to step their game up," student Kevin Burning said. "I know that Douglas has metal detectors, and I think that security needs to get better than it is now."

Below is a full transcription of the robocall that was sent to parents:

"This is James Neer, Principal Neer of Monarch High School, calling to make you aware of an incident at our school today. A student informed a member of our staff about a possible weapon on campus. Our staff, School Resource Officer and Coconut Creek Police Department responded immediately and resolved the situation. I want to assure you that all students are safe and this incident did not involve any threats toward our school. The safety and security of our students and staff are always our highest priorities. I am proud of the response to this incident by our students and staff.  If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at 754-322-1400. Thank you." 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Saira Anwer joined the Local 10 News team in July 2018. Saira is two-time Emmy-nominated reporter and comes to South Florida from Madison, Wisconsin, where she was working as a reporter and anchor.