Fake gun, real charges

A pair of Post Falls boys are facing multiple criminal charges after walking into Lakeland High School Wednesday afternoon with a plastic toy gun.

Rathdrum police officers responded to a 1:25 p.m. call that two students entered the high school with a firearm. Upon arrival at the school, the officers learned that the vice principal had detained the students - ages 12 and 13 - and confiscated the weapon.

The plastic toy gun reportedly looked like a real handgun.

"The juvenile carrying the gun allegedly had the gun in his sweatshirt pocket with only the handle sticking out," stated a Rathdrum Police Department press release.

The youths told the vice principal they were at the school to speak with one of the pair's older sister.

When the boys were searched for additional weapons, one was allegedly found to be carrying marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

When interviewed by police, one boy allegedly said they were at the high school to deliver the contraband to the older sister, a 15-year-old Lakeland student. The sister allegedly confirmed the statement.

Because the vice principal intercepted the boys and called police, the school was not placed in lockdown.

While investigating the incident, police officers learned that just prior to walking into the school, the boys allegedly pointed the gun at a patron at a local restaurant. The patron thought the gun was real and was in fear of being shot.

The boys were booked into the Kootenai County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of disturbing the peace, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to possess marijuana and assault. The older sister is also facing a charge of conspiracy to possess marijuana. She was not booked into the juvenile detention center.