EK teen's mom reacts to gun charges

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - A 15-year-old who brought a loaded .32-caliber handgun to school made his first appearance in juvenile court Thursday, where he learned the charges he will face for bringing the revolver to East Kentwood High.

Deandre Jones will remain in custody, at least until a decision is made regarding his punishment.

Toward the end of the school day Wednesday, school officials received a tip through Silent Observer that Deandre had a gun in his school locker. The district safety staff looked into it, found the loaded revolver and contacted the Kent County Sheriff's Department.

He faces charges for carrying a concealed weapon and violating the weapons-free school zone.

"I never in a million years would think this," said Deandre's mother, who asked not to be named. "Not my child."

Her son previously has had several run-ins with the law, for breaking and entering into a home and a car. Deandre was charged last year for attempting to resist, obstruct or oppose a police officer. He needs mental help, his mother told 24 Hour News 8.

Someone solicited Deandre and took advantage of his mental problems, which he has had for years, his mother said.

"I tries, I tries and I can't get no help because I'm just a parent that's on a fixed income," Deandre's mother said. "So I don't have no help.

"Someone gave him the gun and said to do this and do that. 'If you don't, your life is going to be in jeopardy.' "

The person was an acquaintance of Deandre's, she said, and she's not sure if he was a student or not. He gave Deandre the gun and asked him to hurt another student, the mother said. She doesn't know whether her son would have done it, but thinks he took the gun for his own safety.

"He had no choice but to take it, 'cause he was afraid for his life," Deandre's mother said.

She has a message for parents.

"(I'm) calling all parents to grab your kid. Talk to your kid," Deandre's mother said. "Hopefully, your kid will talk to you."

Although Deandre is a suspect to police, "he's my child. He's my confidant," she said. "He's the world to me."

Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Palczewski isn't aware of any other students involved in this incident.