(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) responded to reports of a black man carrying an AK-47 near the intersection of East Boulder Street and North Wahsatch Avenue, near Palmer High School.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the 18-year-old man had an authentic AK-47 rifle slung over his shoulder in a non-threatening manner, however, the suspect did have a large-capacity magazine which is not legal in Colorado.
The incident happened during a lunch break at around 11:10 a.m. with 50-100 students out in public. The 18-year-old was not on school property, according to CSPD.
Officers seized the magazine and the rifle while the investigation continues for possible charges.
“At this time, there was no known threat toward any student or staff member of D-11, nor to the public,” CSPD told FOX21 News.
FOX21 News reached out to District 11 who thanked CSPD for its swift response.
District 11 is grateful to CSPD for their swift response and proactive partnership in containing today’s situation, allowing our security team and staff to quickly follow protocols, secure doors, and prioritize student safety. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for our students is our top priority, and we will continue working closely with CSPD to uphold this commitment. To further support safety, we are asking the city to find expedient solutions to enhance security in the streets and alleyways surrounding our schools, helping to prevent situations like this in the future.
Jessica Wise, a spokesperson with D11.