Springfield student charged with bringing gun to school

(From the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's office)

Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson announcesthat Brandon Michael Smith, 17, of Springfield, Missouri, was charged Monday evening with theclass A misdemeanor of unlawful use of a weapon for possessing an unloaded firearm onschool premises.

 Yesterday morning, the Prosecutor’s Office was notified by Springfield Public SchoolResource Officer Rodney Williamson that a student, Brandon Smith, brought a gun onto thecampus of Parkview High School. Smith’s possession of the weapon on school property came to the attention of the school police after a student reported threats made by Smith that includeduse of a handgun. 

Because of the officer’s actions, Smith was placed in custody and the gun was secured. Officer Williamson and the Prosecutor’s Office worked together to file charges within twenty-four hours. Since charges were filed within twenty-four hours, Smith is required toremain in custody or post bail. Smith’s bail was set at $5,000.00. Under Missouri law, it is amisdemeanor offense to take an unloaded firearm onto school property. It is a felony offense totake a loaded firearm onto school property.

 Mr. Patterson cautions that the charges contained in the misdemeanor information are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Justin Stanek. It is being investigated by the Springfield R-12 School Police and Officer Rodney Williamson is the lead investigator assigned to the case.