Loaded pistol recovered from Park Hill student’s backpack

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- A LEAD Innovation Studio student was charged with the unlawful use of a weapon after a firearm was recovered from his backpack on Friday.

School staff shared with the Platte County Deputy assigned as a School Resource Officer (SRO) that a student at the school had a firearm on the premises.

David J. Peebles, an 18-year-old senior, was arrested and transported to the Platte County Detention Center after a loaded 9mm handgun was recovered by the SRO.

In an interview with law enforcement, Peebles claimed he was "afraid of other students at the school, along with school shooters." He also claimed he "only wanted to defend himself," according to a probable cause statement.

"Because someone was brave enough to come forward with information that a weapon was in school...our SRO Deputy and school administration were able to act quickly and remove a threat to safety of the entire school," Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland said.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "Bringing a gun to a school is a serious crime, and we will treat it as such. Every student and parent needs to know that firearms do not belong at schools."

Peebles is charged with an unlawful use of a weapon and had an initial hearing scheduled at the Platte County Courthouse on Monday, where his attorney asked for a bond reduction.

A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Platte County Courthouse.