Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Louisiana and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of dog bite attacks. With dog ownership comes responsibility for the control of the dog. It is important for dog owners to maintain control of a dog. Many dog bite incidents are preventable with better preventive measures put in place by the dog owner. Fencing should be secure and dog leashes should be used when dogs are off of the owner's property.

When a child suffers injury as a result of a dog bite incident, there are often times many issues and questions faced by the family of the child. A Child Injury Lawyer can help a family get through the issues with advise, consultation, and representation.The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A free book can be obtained by a parent or other concerned person at The ABCs of Child Injury.

In Lafayette Parish Louisiana, a dog bite incident was reported. A deputy sheriff and an 8 year old boy were bitten by a Pit Bull breed dog. It was reported that the boy was playing with three Pit Bull breed dogs when one of the Pit Bulls became aggressive and bit the boy on the shoulder. Officers responded to the scene when one of the dogs bit the police officer. See Dog Attack Reported in Louisiana.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Louisiana DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) is the governmental agency in charge of licensing, supervising, and disciplining licensed day care centers in the State of Louisiana. For a day care center to remain in good standing and to retain its state day care license, the facility must follow the rules and regulations set forth and enforced by the Louisiana DCFS. These regulations include those related to documentation, attendance records, and staff to child ratios. Unfortunately, many day care centers violate these policies and put children under the supervision of the day care center at risks for serious personal injuries and, in some instances death. The Louisiana DCFS recently revoked the child care license of a facility due to alleged violations of the State day care regulations and rules. See Louisiana DCFS Suspends / Revokes Day Care License of Children of the Future.

When a child suffers an injury as a result of the lack of supervision, an unsafe facility, or some other cause that is the fault of a day care center employee or administrator, a parent is often times faced with many challenges and questions. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, School Injuries, Day Care Center Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. A parent or other interested family member can obtain a copy of this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Shrevport, Louisiana, Sheldon Lewis, age 4, suffered critical injury while attending the Louisiana State Fair. According to the State Fire Marshal, the injuries could have been avoided if safety protocols were followed by the ride operator. In particular, it was reported that the accident and resulting personal injuries could have been avoided if the amusement park ride operator turned the ride off and then removed the key. Another child had pushed a start button to the ride while Sheldon Lewis was on the ride platform. As a result of the unexpected start of the ride, Sheldon became trapped between the floor of the ride and the moving cars on the ride identified as The Twin Ring Demolition Derby. See Fire Marshal Releases Information Regarding Louisiana State Fair Ride Accident Causing Serious Personal Injuries to Sheldon Lewis. See Fire Marshal - Operator Error Was a Factor in Louisiana State Fair Accident.

Parents and other visitors to amusement parks expect that the rides are properly managed and that all reasonable safety measures are followed for safety purposes. This is especially important for children who are frequent visitors to amusement parks, theme parks, and fairs. Safety should always be the primary focus of a ride operator. Unfortunately, mistakes are made from time and time which, in turn, can cause serious personal injuries to children.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Amusement Park and Theme Park Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. The book is a good resource for parents looking for some guidance and answers when a child suffers personal injuries as a result of the negligence of another person or business. See Free Child Injury Book for Parents Seeking Answers When a Child Is Injured.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former Baker, Louisiana day care worker was arrested and charged with the murder of a 2 month old infant. The Baker police arrested, Ashley Rene Reifer after an autopsy revealed that 2 month old Brody Hopper died as a result of traumatic brain injury. Brody Hopper was in the care of Reifer at the Busy Bee Learning Center when this incident happened.

The Baker Police Department was dispatched to the Louisiana day care center when the child's father noticed that the child was not responding. The infant was transported to Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary located in East Baton Rouge Louisiana where he was pronounced Dead.

According to the officials who conducted the autopsy, the 2 month old presented with multiple brain hemorrhages. There was no visible trauma to the child's skull of other areas of the body.

Riefer's attorney believes that the grand jury investigation is a "one -sided affair". He is confident that his client will be acquitted of all charges. In criminal cases, a defendant is entitled to defend himself or herself against the criminal charges through the services of a Louisiana criminal defense attorney or the services of the public defender's office. Cases involving Shaken Baby Syndrome or Traumatic Brain Injury often involve medical evidence and testimony as to the timing and mechanism of the injury.

Shaken Baby Syndrome also known as Traumatic Brain Injury is caused by direct blows to an infants head. This can happen when a infant is dropped, thrown or shaken. The leading cause of death in child abuse case in the United Stated is head injuries.

Shaken baby syndrome is preventable. Reducing the stress level of infant caregivers is key to preventing this type of child abuse. Day care centers should be licensed and insured. All day care centers should provide education and support to employees. Each state has its own regulations as to the caregiver per infant ratio. As a parent, you should request proof of a valid day care license. For more information on this topic see, Former Day Care Worker Charged in Death of Child.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Shreveport Child Care Center, located in Louisiana, was warned for several safety violations, and as a result, received a license revocation notice from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

Similarly, God’s Gift Child Care and Learning Center, located in Louisiana, was issued a notice citing violations which included failing to conduct criminal-record checks of non-paid staff prior to employment. State officials say that the center was cited four times in the last ten months for not completing background checks on two to six staff members each time.

God’s Gift Child Care and Learning Center was also cited for failure to maintain appropriate children-to-staff ratios, failure to conduct proper visual checks of vehicles used to transport children and failure to maintain proper transportation logs within the last six months.

"In each of these cases the violations are considered serious, repeated or numerous (and) put the safety of children at great risk," said DCFS Secretary Ruth Johnson.

Other day care centers were cited as well in Louisiana. For instance, Tiny Tots Day Care Pre-School in Natchitoches also was cited for failing to protect the rights of children and failing to keep children safe from harm or abuse.

And finally, Highland Child Development Center lost their license for failure to meet state licensing requirements. They will be closing their doors by the end of the month.

When a day care center is cited with a violation, the Louisiana Day Care Center can challenge or appeal the decision or citation. The day care center is entitled to defend itself when cited for a child care, child supervision, or facility violation.

It is important for day care centers to continuously maintain the facility and provide child care and supervision in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and code provisions applicable to Louisiana day care centers. Without performing proper background checks on employees, day care centers are putting the children they look after in danger. Parents should research centers in the area in order to ascertain safety and licensing information about the centers they are interested in before making a definite decision.

For more information, see Local child care center's license revoked.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A van occupied by church members heading home from a Bible class veered off a highway in northeast Louisiana and crashed. Tragically, two adults and two children were killed and seven others were hospitalized.

According to Louisiana State Police Trooper Mark Dennis, the crash occurred on Louisiana Highway 587 in West Carroll Parish. The rear end of the 15-passenger van flipped over after it vaulted a ditch and hit the culvert. The driver of the van, Joey W. McKan, 30, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries along with one other person. Portia Thornton, 53, and her two daughters Kaitlyn Thornton, 19, and Brittany Thornton12, sadly died at the scene. Four-year-old Emma Adams was also killed. Aaron Coats, 21, and a 6-year-old were taken to the hospital for treatment, along with other unnamed passengers; the police department would not reveal the names of juvenile survivors.

Chief Dept of the West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Department, Kenneth Green, said that the van belonged to the New Zion Baptist Church. Approximately 11,000 people live in the town of West Carroll Parish. The wreck has united the residents of the small community, said Kelly Coleman, the vice president of the Guarantee Bank and Trust in Oak Grove. The cause of the accident is still under investigation and toxicology tests are still pending, although drug and alcohol were not suspected. For more information on this topic, see Van packed with church members crashes, killing 4.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Morganza, Louisiana, a family lost a son who was the unfortunate victim of a dog mauling by the neighbor's three Boxer breed dogs. The small town / village of just over 600 people mourned this little boy's death. In the aftermath of his death, the family along with a blogger (Holly Lemoine) launched a campaign and website called www.bloggingforblaise.com. This website contains photographs and memories of Blaise who only had four years on this earth. Despite his short life that was ended abruptly by this Louisiana dog attack. Blaise made such an impact both within his family and in the community. The website - www.bloggingforblaise.com - has valuable tips and insight for those dealing with a loss and educating children about dogs.

As an owner of four dogs, I understand the value of a pet as a companion. I also understand that there is responsibility with pet ownership. While dogs are often times very good companions, they are still unpredictable animals that can, at times, snap and attack another person or child.

If you have a moment, go visit the website - www.bloggingforblaise.com See what this blogger (Holly Lemoine) and the family have done to remember Blaise and make a difference for other children and families.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 20-year-old day care worker was recently arrested and charged with cruelty to a juvenile. Alexis Binford was booked into Ouachita Correctional Center after she bit a child under her care at the day care center. In the arrest affidavit, the infant's father told police his son had a bite mark on his cheek. The report also revealed that Binford texted the mother of the infant admitting she had bit the child, however, Binford claimed she was playing with the child when the incident occurred. According to the director of the day care center, Binford was in a room with multiple children including the infant victim. The oldest child in the room was 1-year-old and had only 2 teeth - the bite marks on the infant's cheek reveal that his was bit by a person with more than 2 teeth. Although Binford told the child's mother the incident was an accident, Binford did tell police the child had been crying non-stop, she could not make him stop and thus, felt overwhelmed. There was an incident in November 2010 where Binford's own child was bit on the ear. Binford told West Monroe police she did not know who did it and denied doing it herself. If you would like to read more on this story please see Day care worker arrested after biting child on cheek.

Children should always be handled with patience and care. It is unlawful and immoral to inflict personal injuries onto a child because of one's own frustrations.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Terrytown, Louisiana, it was reported that a car crashed into a private elementary school. Six children suffered personal injuries. One of those children was reported to have suffered critical injuries. The school is located just outside of New Orleans. Fire Rescue was called to the scene to remove the children from the rubble. The sheriff's office reported that the driver was a mother who was dropping off her child at the Stepping Stones Montessori School. The driver / mother thought she had stepped on the brake but stepped on the accelerator instead and crashed into the school. There have been other incidents reported in other States of similar crashes. In just a matter of seconds - lives can changed due to negligent driving. When driving near schools, please exercise the utmost of caution. You can read more about this story at Car Crashes into Louisiana School; 6 Children Hurt

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney, Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Two Louisiana families suffered a major tragedy after teens from both families drowned. The seven teenagers were playing in the shallow waters of the Red River when one teen stepped of the slippery ledge and plummeted into much deeper waters. The other teens tried to save the boy, but they too were overpowered by the water and taken into the deeper water. The onlooking relatives, who could also not swim, desparately screamed for help as they watched their teens vanish and drown.

DeKendrix Warner, 15, was the first to fall in and was rescued by a bystander.
Those who did drown were identified as two families: the Warners and the Stewarts. The Warners who drowned were: Takeitha, 13; and her older brothers JaMarcus, 14 and JaTavious, 17. Among the Stewarts were: Litrelle, 18; LaDairus; and Latevin, 15.

The area where the drowning occurred was not a designated recreational or swimming area and no lifeguard as on duty. If you would like to read more on this story see 2 Louisiana families suffer from drownings on hot summer day.

This is a tragedy for these families and their community. It is important to understand the inherent dangers of water. Make sure a lifeguard is always on duty, do not swim in areas not designated for swimming, maintain constant supervision of child while around water and everyone who is not deemed a capable swimmer should be adorned with the proper life-saving equipment when practical and available.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney, Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Summertime in the south can be overwhelmingly hot. It is common for temperatures to reach well into the 90s with a heat index above 100 degrees. As the temperatures increase, the Louisiana Department of Social Services wanted to remind its residents of the dangers about leaving children unattended in automobiles--it can be deadly. Between 1989 and 2010, Louisiana DSS reported 16 children who have died as a result of heat stroke, otherwise known as hyperthermia.

Fourteen states have laws against leaving children unattended in vehicles, Louisiana is among them. First time offenders face a net fine up to $500 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both. Repeat offenders face net fines between $1000 and $5000, or jail time not less than 1 year or more than 2 years, or both. If you see a child unattended a car, contact local law enforcement authorities or 9-1-1.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following safety tips:

1. Teach children not to play in, on, or around vehicles.
2. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Never.
3. Lock all unattended vehicles.
4. Check your vehicle before locking it. Make sure to look for sleeping children.
5. Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle; write yourself a note or place bags and other personal items in the backseat where the child is located.

To get more tips see Child Hyperthermia.

Also, if you would like to read more on hyperthermia see Hot Temperatures and Cars - Be Aware of the Dangers to Children.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney, Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Railroad crossings can be quite dangerous especially ones without lights and gates to warn or alert motorist of the approach of a train. There are thousands upon thousands of railroad crossing areas that are not properly equipped with gates and lights. Without such safety precautions and due warning to drivers, deaths and personal injuries related to train / automobile accidents continue to take place in Louisiana and other States. Train industry experts opine that railroad lights and gates are at least 90 percent effective in preventing railroad / train accidents with automobiles. Often times, railroad companies do not take any action until they are required to or until they get some kind of federal or public assistance to fund these basic and necessary railroad safety precautions.

In Independence, Louisiana, 4 family members / siblings were killed in a recent train accident. The railroad accident involved an Amtrak train known as the "City of New Orleans" when it struck the vehicle occupied by the children (ages 18 and younger) at an ungated railroad crossing. The children were identified as Emelia Alfaro (age 18), Eduardo Alfaro (age 16), Joel Alfaro (age 13), and Israel Alfaro (age 12). It was reported that Emelia Alfaro was 7 months pregnant at the time of the train accident. What a tragedy for the parents / grandparents of these children! The incident was reported and investigated in part by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's department.

Due to the incident which resulted in deaths, there will be an investigation by local, state and Federal authorities as to the cause and preventability of this train accident. Of course, the family is not bound or restricted by this investigation. The family has the right to retain its own civil Louisiana personal injury lawyer to handle this matter and conduct its own investigation.

A thorough investigation would include an analysis of the scene, government reports and investigations, photographs, videotape, and an engineering or technical analysis of the incident or accident as well as witness statements.

There may be a legal case to pursue if it can be shown that there was negligence on the part of the train conductor, Amtrak, or other entities that had control over the train or railroad crossing area.

See also Railroad Safety - What Safety Precautions Are Taken? What Safety Precautions Should be Taken? Mother and Two Children Killed by Amtrak Train - No Crossing Arms or Gates and Railroad Injuries and Wrongful Death - What Are My Rights? What Are the Duties of the Railroad Company?

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Louisiana, legislation is being proposed that will encourage day care centers and child care providers to check day care vehicles before exiting the vehicle. In Louisiana and other States, children have been left behind in day care vehicles. Some children have even died from exposure to extreme cold or extreme heat after being left in the vehicle. Checklists and alarms can help avoid these tragic incidents. The Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works approved a bill that would require the Department of Social Services to prepare regulations to require child inspection alarms on day care center vehicles. The child inspection alarms would be activated once the vehicle is turned on. When the vehicle is turned off, the alarm will sound to remind the driver to check all parts of the vehicle. The alarm can only be shut off after the driver walks to the back of the vehicle. This relatively inexpensive device can save lives and better protect children. You can read more about this story at Panel Says Day Care Center Vehicles Must Have Child Inspection Alarms.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Slidell, Louisiana, a man was arrested and charged with the death of a 22 month old girl. As reported in the WWLTV News, the St. Tammany Sheriff's office believes that Rubie Boland was shaken and assaulted by her babysitter at the time - Andrew Roberts (age 20).

The grandmother called an ambulance to get some medical assistance for the child. She was then rushed to a local hospital but the doctors were unable to save her life from the alleged attack that caused this life ending personal injuries to this small child.

St. Tammany Sheriff Strain reported that Mr. Roberts was already having a "bad day" prior to the incident. Rubie Boland had a potty accident which is common for children of this age. Apparently, Mr. Roberts responded harshly to this incident by
picking Rubie up by her feet and slamming her against the floor.

The assault and truly excessive discipline alleged to have been committed by Mr. Roberts causes serious personal injuries and traumatic brain damages to this helpless and defenseless child.

You can read more about this story at Man Charged in Shaken Baby Assault / Attack Regarding Death of 22 Month Old Girl in Louisiana.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Louisiana, four children died and seven were critically injured in a van accident. According to a news story reported at Breaking News 24 / 7, the van was traveling on Interstate 10 near Baton Rouge, Louisiana when the van blew a tire. Thereafter, the van crashed into a delivery and then rolled over. The children, reported to have died from the accident, were Ricky Hines, Jr. (age 2), Lachante Floyd (age 12), Edward Barnes (age 14), and Ashley Hines (age 14). Louisiana police and automobile accident detectives will investigate this van accident to determine the following:

What was the make, model, and year for the van involved in the automobile accident?

What were the manufacturer specifications for seating for the van?

How many seatbelts were available on the bus?

Who was wearing a seat belt?

For toddlers and small children, were booster or child seats available?

What was the approximate speed of the van at the time the tire blew?

What condition was the blown tire in prior to the incident?

When was the van last repaired or maintained?

There are many facts to be determined by the investigation. Accidents like these do help illustrate the importance of planning and safety when transporting children. Vans and other vehicles should not be overloaded beyond manufacturer specifications or recommendations. Safety belts should be worn by all occupants. Toddlers, infants, and small children should have child seats or booster seats to better secure them when there is an accident. Finally, all vehicles should undergo periodic and consistent maintenance including but not limited to inspection and repairs of brakes and tires.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Hazing incidents continue to be reported in Louisiana and other States across the nation. Unfortunately, high school and college students in clubs, organizations, fraternities, and even marching bands feel a need to inflict physical harm and / or humiliation as pre-requisites to get initiated or get membership in the group. It was recently reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that a student is suing Southern University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana over a hazing incident that took place off campus. Southern University will argue that the incident took place off campus and that the University did not sponsor or have knowledge about the incident. The attorney for the victim may argue that there was a lack of supervision by the University and that the University knew or should have had knowledge of past incidents of hazing yet took no action to intervene. It is by no means an easy case to pursue on behalf of the victim. It will be interesting to see how the court case turns out and what information is obtained through the court case.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a child died while under the care of Wanda's Kids World (day care center / child care center). It has been reported that Wanda's Kids World had a liability insurance policy in effect with Colony Insurance. Recently, Colony Insurance filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to determine its obligations (if any) for the injuries / death by the child who was left unattended in a day care center van. It is position of Colony Insurance that no coverage would apply under this particular insurance policy since the incident involved a vehicle (van) which is (according to Colony) excluded under the policy. In Louisiana and other States, an insurance policy is a contract between the insurer (Colony Insurance) and the insured (Wanda's Kids World). The contract (insurance policy) must be read to determine coverage under the policy. Attorneys are skilled in reading contracts and insurance policies to determine applicable coverage. The review of the insurance policy may require a review of applicable Statutes, Code provisions, insurance regulations, and Court rulings. In this case, Colony Insurance is seeking a court order to hopes that the Court will rule that Colony has no duty to pay or provide coverage for the wrongful death of the child who was left unattended in the vehicle.

It has been reported that there was a automobile insurance policy in place for the van. This automobile insurance policy should provide coverage for the wrongful death. Like the liability insurance policy, the automobile insurance policy should be reviewed to determine the amount of coverage and other terms of the policy.

Liability insurance policies typically cover incidents that take place at the day care facility and during times of supervision outside of the facility. It is common to see exclusions for vehicle related incidents. Since the incident involving the van did not involve an automobile accident, there may be some ambiguity in the liability insurance policy as to coverage. This may be the reason that Colony is seeking a Court order on this matter.

You can read more about this story at Insurer (Colony Insurance) Files Lawsuit That Claims Van Is Not Covered Under the Insurance Policy.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz of St Landry Parish, Louisiana has good advice for parents: Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle - not even for a minute. This summer, there have been several deaths in Louisiana and throughout the United States involving children who have been left in hot cars / vans that have caused serious personal injuries and deaths. Some incidents have involved parents and some have involved schools and day care centers. Injuries of this nature (hyperthermia) are completely avoidable with better supervision and due care on the the part of the parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, and / or bus driver.

Sheriff Guidroz recently pointed out that there were 42 deaths of children left in cars in 2008. Since 1998, there have been over 400 deaths. A majority of these incidents have involved a caregiver. Sheriff Guidroz also points out that hyperthermia (heat stroke) can happen in a matter of minutes since a vehicle can get almost 20 degrees hotter in a short time span. You can read more about Sheriff Guidroz's advice and the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles at Louisiana Summer Safety Stressed.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A day care center in Baton Rouge Louisiana was recently shot down by the State of Louisiana Department of Social Services. Damiyn McElveen, a 3 year old enrolled in the day care center, was found dead inside the day care center's van this past week. Investigators believe that the toddler was mistakenly left in the van on a hot summer day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An full investigation will be conducted as to the circumstances and staff members responsible for the incident. In hot summer months, it is especially dangerous to leave any child unattended in a vehicle. Regulations and procedures were not followed. Otherwise, Damiyn McElveen would not have died in the day care center's van. You can read more about this story at Baton Rouge Louisiana Day Care Center is Shut Down by the State of Louisiana.

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, school officials and law enforcement may have help avoid a disaster in the form of a school shooting by taking action to arrest a 13 year old and remove an assault rifle from school grounds. At the Southeast Middle School on Harrells Ferry in Louisiana, a 13 year old brought a military style Ruger mini 14 assault rifle to school and place the rifle along with high powered rounds of ammunition in his locker. Other students informed school officials that the weapon was inside the student's locker. Telling school officials about a dangerous weapon was wise and brave of these students who, in turn, may have helped save the lives of fellow students and teachers. Within five minutes of receiving the information, school officials contacted the resource police officer and located the gun.

Tragedy was avoided in that no students suffered personal injuries or death by a student on a mission to harm others with this assault weapon. School officials and police should be commended for quick, calm action that helped diffuse a very dangerous and potential deadly situation. You can more about this story at
Louisiana Middle School Student Arrested for Bringing Assault Weapon with Ammunition to School.