Student at Smithtown High School West arrested after gun found in backpack, superintendent says

A student at Smithtown High School West was arrested Tuesday after a gun, a magazine and a knife were found in his backpack, according to police and the district's superintendent.

Building administrators were investigating a conflict between the student and another schoolmate when they learned the student "may have recently posted a picture of a handgun on social media," according to a letter Superintendent Mark Secaur shared with families Tuesday. Administrators called Suffolk police and a school resource officer also responded. 

About 1:55 p.m., school staffers searched the student's backpack and recovered "a knife, firearm, and a magazine," the Suffolk County Police Department said in a news release.

"The presence of a weapon in our schools is deeply concerning, and we recognize the fear and uneasiness this incident may raise among our school community," Secaur said. He added that school officials are thankful a student alerted staff about the online post. 

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring our buildings are safe and secure," he wrote. 

Police charged the male student, 16, of Smithtown with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon: loaded firearm on school grounds; criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds; criminal possession of a firearm and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property: firearms. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, the release said.

"At this time, we are not aware of any specific threat made by this student to another student, staff member, the Smithtown High School West, or District as a whole," Secaur told families in the letter.

The student will face "additional consequences levied in accordance with the School District’s Code of Conduct," according to the letter.

District officials are continuing to investigate. 

Detectives ask anyone with information to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8451.

Newsday's Nicholas Grasso contributed to this story.

By Lorena Mongelli

lorena.mongelli@newsday.com

Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.