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Jury convicts boy who pointed gun at teacher, pulled trigger

July 17 2019 06:06 AM

CP656716974 — Bruce Schwarz, Eldridge police officer and school resource officer in the North Scott School District talks about examining the loaded black Smith & Wesson .22-caliber gun when he arrived at the North Scott Junior High School in Eldridge Aug. 31, 2018, during the first day of testimony Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Davenport, Iowa. A student is charged with attempted murder, carrying weapons on school grounds, and assault while using or displaying a dangerous weapon. (Kevin E. Schmidt/Quad City Times via AP)

Original Publication Date: July 17, 2019 6:06AM

Publication Updated: April 20, 2025 6:22AM

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A 13-year-old eastern Iowa student has been found guilty on three charges after he pointed a gun at a teacher and pulled the trigger, but the jury declined to convict him of attempted murder.

The Quad-City Times reports jurors in Davenport convicted the boy Wednesday of carrying weapons on school grounds, assault while using or displaying a dangerous weapon, and assault with intent to commit serious injury. Jury deliberations began Tuesday.

Prosecutors say the boy pointed a loaded .22-calibre handgun at a teacher in a North Scott Junior High School classroom in Eldridge on Aug. 31. It didn’t fire when he pulled the trigger because the safety was engaged. The teacher and a guidance counsellor grabbed the gun from him.

The boy, who was 12 at the time, was tried as a youthful offender in adult court and charged with attempted murder and weapons crimes.