15-year-old accused of bringing loaded gun into Red Jacket High School in court

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WHEC) — The 15-year-old student arrested for taking a loaded gun and an extra magazine into Red Jacket High School back on April 1 was in court Friday, April 15 for a hearing.

Because of the student’s age, the judge closed Youth Part Court even though it’s normally open to the public.

The student is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and is being held in a secure location.

The purpose of Friday night’s hearing was so that the prosecution could explain why they believe he should stay in custody.

Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero said a staff member talked to him and took the gun. Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts said the student had a plan.

"We have a situation where we continue, still, to this day, to investigate other aspects of the case," Ritts said. "Certainly there’s the aspects, history, and this young man’s situation, and so we continue in that while we continue hearing from the Public Defender’s Office, and from his attorney’s office, and we’ll continue to work toward what is appropriate in this position."

Ritts said at this point, the District Attorney’s Office can not share how the teenager got ahold of the gun.

The next step in the case is for the DA to present it to a grand jury and for the grand jury to decide what, if any, additional charges the student should face.