Student identified after gun brought to Houston Can Academy's Hobby campus, officials say

HOUSTON – On Thursday, security guards at Houston Can Academy’s Hobby campus found a gun inside a student’s jacket and locked down the school as a precaution, police and school officials said.

The incident was reported about 7:50 a.m. at the school, which is located at 9020 Gulf Freeway.

The student who brought the gun to school was identified as 17-year-old Jaquinn Alani Smith by Houston police. 

The gun was found during the school’s daily screening process of students as they arrive for classes, police said. 

VIDEO: Police provide update about Houston Can Academy incident

“The student, realizing that a pistol had been found, took off running,” said Capt. William McPherson, of the Houston Police Department.

Smith was later found and arrested at a different location, police said. He will be charged with exhibition of a firearm on school grounds, according to Houston police.

A student said an announcement was made about the lockdown, and it included advice such as, “Everybody stay away from the windows," and "Keep calm.”

In a statement, school administrators said students and staff were not in immediate danger. The full statement follows:

“A student who enrolled with us two weeks ago arrived at our campus this morning with a gun in his jacket. During the daily routine for entering students onto the campus, our campus security officer discovered and confiscated the weapon. Due to the swift response of our security staff, students and staff were not in any immediate danger. The matter is now in the hands of Houston Police Department. The school is secure and all students are safe. The safety of the students is always our top priority. Our security process worked this morning, keeping all students and staff safe. We have counselors in the school available to anyone needing help.”

Smith was previously convicted of possession of marijuana in December.

No injuries were reported.