East Texas student arrested after loaded handgun, ammo found in vehicle

Published 4:55 pm Monday, April 7, 2025

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches High School student was arrested Friday after campus police officers found loose ammo and a loaded handgun in their vehicle.

According to the Nacogdoches ISD Police Department, a routine patrol of the parking lot near the greenhouse area on the Maroney Street side of the NHS campus led to an officer finding a loose round of ammunition.

Further investigation led to officers detaining the student and searching their vehicle, where officers found a Glock 19 handgun concealed in the glove box, with a fully loaded 17-round magazine inside of it.

Police also found the student had THC vape pens and a nicotine vape pen on their person.

The student is facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm in a prohibited place and drug possession within a drug-free school zone.

NISD Police Department have forwarded the case to the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

“This incident underscores the importance of our officers’ vigilance and the value of consistent, visible patrols across our campuses,” said NISD Chief Joel Barton Jr.. “Thanks to the swift response and attention to detail by our officers, a potentially dangerous situation was neutralized without harm. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”