TYLER - Just after 9:00 Friday evening, Tyler Police arrested a Kansas City, Missouri teen on the run for outstanding warrants. Three hours later, police received calls about gunshots at Smith County's Detention Center, where the teen was being held.
"If he came all the way from Kansas City and they're looking for him, why didn't they look through his stuff?" Amanda Geer is a concerned parent. Early Saturday morning, she learned her son is staying in the same building as the 16-year-old Missouri boy that opened fire early Saturday morning.
"I really don't understand how someone was able to get here with a loaded weapon," Geer said. "I mean, that could have been prevented I think, but, how they were able to get to it, that just baffles me."
"He's up against very serious, probably first degree felony charges," Officer Don Martin explained, "for aggravated assault on a public servant, actually discharging his firearm towards him."
Officer Martin said the teen got access to the gun when the officer turned away, to grab paperwork from a closet. "Access to the gun was, he had that hidden in some clothing. Apparently the bag was not searched at the time of the arrest because it was placed into the trunk, so that material is under investigation."
Officer Martin explained the teen was found in a secluded hall holding the gun to his head. "Basically felt he didn't have anything else to live for at the time due to everything that happened. Officers did a great job talking him down, convincing him 'Hey, your life isn't over, you're young, just put the gun down.'"
The teen eventually put the gun down. Officer Martin said the center is a secure facility. Geer agrees, but still questions how a gun slipped through the cracks.
"I couldn't even bring a comb to my son here," added Geer. "I mean, they provide the stuff for them, but he requested a special comb and I tried to bring it in the package and everything and they wouldn't even let me do that, so how did that kid get in with a gun?"
The Missouri teen was cut by glass during the incident, treated at ETMC, and is now back at the Smith County Juvenile Services facility. No word on why he was headed to Tyler. Police officers also found marijuana in the teenager's bag.
Contributed by: Amanda Roberson/CBS19
