An 18-year-old Yellville man was arrested Friday, May 15, after authorities say he was found in possession of a handgun on school property during graduation ceremonies at the Yellville-Summit School Panther Pavilion.
According to Marion County Sheriff Gregg Alexander, Trenton R. Ross, 18, of Yellville, was arrested on a charge of minor in possession of a handgun on school property, a Class D felony.
The sheriff’s office reported that Marion County deputies were called to the Panther Pavilion by the school’s Certified School Safety Officer after a student was reportedly found in possession of a handgun. Deputies arrived, secured the firearm from the safety officer and took Ross into custody without incident.
Investigators interviewed witnesses at the scene who said Ross approached them before they were allowed into the pavilion. While speaking with them, witnesses reported that Ross showed photos of the handgun and motioned as though he had it concealed under his clothing.
One witness immediately notified school officials, who acted urgently and discreetly to locate Ross and separate him from the ceremony and attendees, according to the sheriff’s office. While being questioned by school officials, Ross reportedly denied having a firearm but later admitted he had a handgun in a holster under his clothing.
During an interview with investigators, Ross stated that he had been given the firearm shortly before graduation, had been dropped off to watch friends graduate and had nowhere else to put it, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ross’ bond was set at $75,000. He remains incarcerated in the Marion County Detention Center while awaiting his first appearance in Marion County Circuit Court.
Sheriff Alexander stated the investigation into how Ross came to be in possession of the firearm is ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
