The man arrested for carrying a loaded gun in Harvey Austin School Thursday had "no ill intent," according Buffalo Schools Police Chief Kevin Brinkworth. Brinkworth says Dwayne Ferguson, 52, has a permit and the gun was found in a holster on Ferguson's hip during a pat-down.
Superintendent Pamela Brown says Ferguson is known in the community for his work with anti-violence groups like is MAD DADS and the Buffalo Peacemakers. She says he was mentoring students in an afterschool program.
"An investigation is underway and I want to respect the right of our security personnel and police to conduct that investigation. We will wait to see what the outcome of that will be, but in the meantime I have given direction to staff at the school to make sure that Mr. Ferguson is not present on the premises," Brown said Friday.
Ferguson appeared in City Court this morning and was released on his own recognizance.
Brown says proper procedures were followed during the incident, but some parents and guardians had outdated contact information on file and the district was unable to notify them.
