Police: Teen arrested after trespassing with gun on Carthage campus

Published 11:44 am Tuesday, September 17, 2024

From Staff Reports

CARTHAGE — A Gary teenager was arrested Tuesday after the Carthage Police Department said he was found with an airsoft rifle and multiple magazines while trespassing at the Carthage High School.

Auron Campbell, 17, has been charged with terroristic threat, criminal trespass and public intoxication.

Carthage police were alerted around 7:34 a.m. Tuesday of a possible threat and suspicious person at the high school. Responding officers found a 17-year-old, later identified as Campbell.

Police said Campbell “was agitated and seemed to be intoxicated.” He had a backpack with a gas mask, a long gun — painted in bright colors and identified as an airsoft rifle — and multiple magazines.

Campbell is not a student at the high school, and CPD said he trespassed onto the property.

“This incident is still under investigation for prosecution and possible further charges,” Police Chief Blake Smith said. “The Police Department is being assisted by CISD, the Panola County District Attorney, FBI and the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.”