Two students arrested at Belleville high schools, guns found

Two times recently firearms have been found at Belleville high schools. Both incidents involved the discovery of loaded guns at Belleville West and Belleville East, leading to student arrests.

School resource officers acted swiftly after students reported the presence of weapons. The involved officers isolated the students and seized the firearms without delay. In both instances, authorities credit the "see something, say something" approach for resolving the incidents.

After the first gun was discovered at Belleville West, a parent initiated a petition for metal detectors in schools. This petition gained traction, raising discussions about campus safety and the logistical challenges of implementing such measures.

As authorities investigate the incidents, Belleville Police and school staff emphasize their collaboration to ensure safety. They highlight the strong relationship between local police and schools as crucial in handling such emergencies.

NO. 1: POLICE ARREST BELLEVILLE WEST STUDENT WHO HAD GUN AT SCHOOL

A Belleville West student is accused of bringing a loaded weapon to school Tuesday and was taken into custody, District 201 Superintendent Marshaun Warren said in a statement. | Published September 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

East St. Louis Senior High students file through metal detectors before the start of the school day on Thursday, Sept. 25. The district also has a clear backpack policy, and all bags are checked upon entry. By Madison Lammert

NO. 2: CALLS FOR METAL DETECTORS IN SCHOOLS GROW AFTER BELLEVILLE WEST GUN SCARE

A week after a loaded gun was found at Belleville West High School, a petition that calls for metal detectors in the district’s schools is still gathering signatures. | Published September 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

NO. 3: POLICE SEIZE LOADED WEAPON AT BELLEVILLE EAST, ARREST STUDENT

Two weeks after police seized a loaded firearm at Belleville West High School, authorities recovered another Tuesday morning at Belleville East High School. | Published September 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.