(OTTUMWA, Iowa) – On Thursday, March 8, at approximately 10:00 AM, Ottumwa Police Department School Resource Officers recovered a 9mm handgun from a student’s backpack at the Ottumwa High School.

The student was identified as Tyler Jordan Tucker, age 16, of 1420 E. Plum, Ottumwa. Tucker has been arrested and charged with Carrying Weapons on School Grounds, a Class “D” Felony.

Due to Tucker’s age and that this particular offense is a weapons violation, Tucker’s charge falls under the jurisdiction of adult court. Tucker was arraigned in Wapello County Magistrate Court and subsequently posted a $5,000 bond and was released from custody.

Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

– This information was sent in a news release by Lt. Jason Bell from the Ottumwa Police Department.