UPDATE:
The statement comes after some residents became concerned after an online hoax on Facebook created some fear, getting the department’s attention.
A post claiming a “Purge” will happen in
And while KCSO said the post is a fake, they are taking the matter seriously since it is causing fear among many residents.
Water Safety Tips
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During last year’s Labor Day weekend, 49 people were killed in the state, which is a 40 percent increase from 2012.
The public is asked to call 911 and report drivers suspected of being under the influence.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - There are new questions surfacing about who can bring a firearm onto campus and who cannot. On Thursday, Bakersfield Police arrested Kent Williams, the vice principal of Tevis Junior High, for having a gun in his backpack in his office. They then released Williams, saying he had a concealed carry weapons permit and didn't break the law.
Bakersfield Police say the District Attorney's office is reviewing this to make sure they didn't miss anything. But, this may not have been the first time Williams carried his gun to school.
Williams remains on paid administrative leave in the Panama Buena Vista Union School District. Assistant Superintendent Gerrie Kincaid says she was tipped off by another employee.
"They just shared with me that this employee may have a gun because he had said something to that effect to another employee," said Kincaid. When asked if it was that day, Kincaid answered, "Previously."
While it sounds like Williams had carried the weapon with him to school before, Kincaid would not confirm that. Police say they found the loaded gun in his backpack in his office, where the district says he sometimes worked with students.
Police say the kids could have had access to it.
"I think that is reasonable to think that if there was a student in the office for some reason that could happen," said Sgt. Joe Grubbs, Bakersfield Police Department.
Sgt. Grubbs says while, at first, they believed Williams violated the state's Safe School Zone law, they found his concealed carry permit made him exempt and he was released.
"Mr. Williams' permit had no restrictions whatsoever. It was an open CCW permit," said Sgt. Grubbs.
Williams still violated the district's policy that states no firearms are allowed "without written permission of school authorities."
"We do not survey staff as to whether they have a permit. And, we expect that they are not armed at school," said Kincaid.
Kincaid says there is no defined discipline for employees who break this rule, like there are for students for bringing a firearm to campus.
"That's a violation that could result in suspension or expulsion from school," said Kincaid.
But, Sgt. Grubbs says it's not clear if a student 18 or older, would be in trouble with the law if that student had a CCW, or any adult with a valid permit who came onto campus.
"If an 18-year-old adult had a CCW permit, I think he'd be able to come on campus," said Sgt. Grubbs.
Sgt. Grubbs says it just depends on the case and the conditions of the permit.
Meantime, supporters of Mr. Williams have started an encouragement Facebook page for the vice principal in his absence.
"This employee meant no ill will. He meant no harm to anybody and we don't believe he meant harm. But, it's a serious matter and we are going to investigate and deal with it further," said Kincaid.
The school district says Kent Williams has been in good standing with them since he was employed in the late 1990's. They will investigate the case and see what disciplinary action they will take once the D.A.'s office wraps up its investigation.
