GARDENA HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT TO APPEAR IN COURT FRIDAY

Beverly Hills Courier from City News Service | http://bit.ly/g7bm3s

Thursday January 20, 2011 – 9:17am (CNS) - The 17-year-old student who reportedly brought a 9-millimeter Beretta handgun to Gardena High School on Tuesday -- and then fled when it accidentally discharged and injured two 15-year-old students -- is expected to appear Friday in Juvenile Court, a news report said.

The youth -- who could face an assault with a deadly weapon or a more serious charge -- was on probation for a misdemeanor battery conviction.

He reportedly stole the gun from his stepfather, a source familiar with the investigation told the Los Angeles Times.

The shooting remains under scrutiny today as the Los Angeles Unified School District conducts an assessment of all its high schools to ensure security procedures are being enforced.

Deputy Superintendent John Deasy, who will take over as LAUSD superintendent when Ramon Cortines retires this spring, announced the security assessment Wednesday and said the safety of students and staff members was a top priority for the district.

``Since 1993, a Los Angeles Unified School District policy has required daily random searches for weapons at high schools,' Deasy said. ``I have ordered that Gardena High School and all LAUSD high schools must comply with that policy.'

Two other Gardena High students who were arrested in connection with the shooting also are expected to be in Juvenile Court on Friday, the Times reported.

Authorities said they believe that in the chaos after the mid-morning shooting, the suspect gave his backpack to a girl and that another boy provided him with a sweatshirt to change his appearance.

One of the suspects also allegedly gave him money for bus fare to flee the area. Police said the backpack has not been located.

The shooting happened at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday in a classroom after the 17-year-old brought a gun to the campus in a backpack.

The weapon fired when the bag was placed on a table or desk, officials said.

The bullet struck a male student in the neck, then hit a female student in the head.

The girl remained in critical condition at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

The boy was released from the hospital on Wednesday night, according to media reports.

Security was tight at the Gardena High campus Wednesday, with students subjected to searches and metal detectors. Grief counselors also were on hand.