Two JHS students face felony charges in BB gun incident

OAKWOOD - Two students who were handling a BB gun at Johnson High School Monday morning face felony charges after a third student received minor injuries when he was shot accidentally.

Hall County Sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks said Edwin Huizar, 17, of Gainesville was charged with possession of a weapon on school property, which is a felony. In addition, Huizar was charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor.

Wilbanks said the student accused of accidentally firing the BB gun, Jessie Reyes, also 17, of Gainesville, was charged with felony possession of a weapon on school property.

Huizar was being held on $11,000 bond. Reyes was being held on $10,000 bond, according to Wilbanks. The two were expected to make preliminary court appearances Tuesday morning.

Earlier in the day, Hall County School System spokesman Gordon Higgins said the incident happened around 9 a.m. in the media center at Johnson High. He said when the weapon discharged, a BB hit a third student who was sitting at a nearby table. Wilbanks said the student was struck in the head.

"The student who was struck by the BB received attention from the school nurse, who deemed the wound superficial," said Higgins.

Higgins said the parents of the wounded student came to Johnson High School to consult with school officials.

Huizar and Reyes were immediately suspended, pending a disciplinary tribunal by the school system.

Wilbanks said the Hall County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/4/261006