Armed Parent Arrested at Mesquite Middle School After Reported Mental Health Crisis

MESQUITE, Texas - A parent was arrested Tuesday morning at Berry Middle School after police responding to a reported mental health crisis discovered the individual was carrying a handgun, according to the Mesquite Police Department.

The incident began at approximately 9:35 a.m. Sept. 29 when the Mesquite police school resource officer assigned to Berry Middle School requested additional officers to the campus.

Police said the parent was found in the entrance area between two sets of double doors and was safely taken into custody.

During the encounter, officers discovered the parent had a handgun. Police said the individual never made it beyond the second set of entrance doors and did not display the weapon at any point during the incident.

The parent was arrested on a charge of unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.

Police did not release the person's name, citing the nature of the incident. No injuries were reported in the information released by the department.

The Mesquite Police Department said its officers and Mesquite ISD employees worked together to ensure the safety of students and staff during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.