Private security guard leaves gun in Twin Falls grade school bathroom
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Kevin Richert, Idaho Ed News
TWIN FALLS (Idaho Ed News) — A private security guard was fired after leaving his gun in the bathroom of a Twin Falls elementary school.
Students at I.B. Perrine Elementary School found the gun and reported it to school staff, the Twin Falls Times-News reported Friday.
“That employee will no longer be working in any district schools,” Twin Falls School District spokeswoman Eva Craner told the Times-News Friday.
The owner of Eagle Eye Security, the private firm that contracts with the school district, also said the employee was fired.
“A stupid mistake is what it really is, you know what I mean?” Rantz Hanchey told the Times-News. “Just a very bad mistake, an honest mistake, but something that we train all the time.”
The guard went into a secluded restroom, and took off his holster to adjust it, the Times-News reported. The guard then heard noises outside the restroom and went out to investigate, leaving the holster behind.
The incident comes as Idaho lawmakers are again debating the issue of allowing school staff to carry firearms. The House State Affairs Committee introduced such a bill in February, but it has not received a hearing.
Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, is the bill’s sponsor.
“The best solution to defend schools is an effective physical security posture and to hire full-time armed guards,” the bill’s statement of purpose reads, in part. “The armed guard option is cost prohibitive and not sustainable. This legislation provides an alternative.”
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