On Thursday afternoon, December 13, a student at John Read Middle School found a single 22-caliber bullet lying in the hallway. The student immediately handed it into administration.
A full sweep of the building was conducted by police with dogs from the State Police K-9 unit, specifically trained to sniff out gunpowder and explosive materials during which all students were placed in a soft lockdown. A short time later the building was declared safe and the school day proceeded.
Thomas H. McMorran, Ed.D. Region 9 Superintendent of Schools remarked, "I am grateful to the staff, faculty and members of the Redding police force for their swift action and collaboration." McMorran continued, "I have received inquiries from members of our community as to how the bullet got into the school. The police and administration are in the process of confirming that it was brought accidentally to the building. The bullet was not brought to school by a student. A member of the staff accidentally, with no malicious intent, brought the bullet along with a number of personal items. I am completely confident that this was an unfortunate oversight."