News Bulletin: BB gun prompts police response

A toy BB gun drew a quick response Wednesday from Owatonna police and public school officials.

According to a statement from Superintendent Tammy Champa, the district received a report from a student that another student may have brought a BB gun to school.

“Staff responded immediately, and with our local police it has since been verified that the item in questions was an airsoft toy BB gun,” she wrote.

It contained no BBs and was not capable of causing harm, the statement says.

“While there was never any danger to students or staff, we take all concerns related to safety and security extremely seriously,” Champa said.

Washington Elementary families were notified of the situation that day.

“We remain grateful for our strong and ongoing partnership with local law enforcement,” Champa said, “which supports the safety and well-being of our students every day.”

The situation “has been dealt with,” district officials said, but no details will be released because of privacy laws.