Weapons Misconduct Investigation

Published on March 31, 2025

News Release

Marana Police Department

Jeffrey Pridgett

Chief of Police

Date: 3/31/2025

Contact:

Molly Metz

Community Resource Officer/ Public Information Officer

(520) 382-2051

MPDPIO@maranaaz.gov

Weapons Misconduct Investigation

Juvenile Charged with Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Misconduct Involving Weapons, and Other Charges

On March 31, 2025 at approximately 6:00 AM, the Marana Police Department received a call from a parent who found a gun in their child’s backpack. Officers responded immediately and began their investigation.

The 13-year-old admitted to stealing the firearm from a third party and bringing it to Gladden Farms Elementary on Friday, March 28. The juvenile showed the gun to other students both on and off campus after school hours. Once the parent was made aware of the incident, they checked their child’s backpack, found the gun, and contacted MPD.

The juvenile was arrested and booked into the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center on multiple charges, including Minor in Possession of a Firearm (A.R.S. 13-1111), Disorderly Conduct with a Firearm (A.R.S. 13-2904), Misconduct Involving Weapons (A.R.S. 13-3102), and Theft of a Firearm (A.R.S. 13-1802).

The safety of our community is our top priority. MPD has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons on school grounds and we are committed to working with MUSD schools to keep our children safe. We urge parents to talk to their children about the seriousness of these actions and their legal consequences. MPD takes all threats to the safety of our schools seriously. If you become aware of any potential threats to school safety, please report them immediately.