Pilot Butte Middle School student accused of bringing a gun to school has been released from custody over prosecutors' objections

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 12-year-old Pilot Butte Middle School student who was arrested last week on charges of bringing a loaded handgun to school with plans and a target list has been removed from custody over the objections of a juvenile judge Detention released by prosecutors and others, Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels said Saturday.

Gunnels confirmed to NewsChannel 21 an initial report from KBND News that a hearing was held Thursday for the seventh-grader, who authorities say told a teacher on the morning of Oct. 21 that he brought the loaded handgun from home.

The prosecutor said the judge agreed to the student's release despite strong objections from his office and the PBMS parents and students who were in the courtroom for the juvenile hearing after being notified by the Victim Assistance Program.

The student, whose name and gender were not released, was initially booked into the county's juvenile detention center on suspicion of attempted murder, attempted first-degree assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree theft, the said Police with the time. Criminal charges have been filed, KBND reported and Gunnels confirmed, but details were not released due to the student's age.

One of the student's parents was cited for improperly storing a firearm.

Bend-La Pine Schools continues to review the incident and conducted a debriefing last Tuesday, communications director Scott Maben said, confirming a report in the Bulletin.