Sheriff apologizes for leaving gun at school

A county sheriff apologized Tuesday for accidentally leaving his backup gun in a Michigan school gym locker-room. Isabella County Sheriff Michael Main said his mistake is inexcusable.

“In the 20 years of law enforcement service I have never left a weapon anywhere,” he said in a statement. “I have no excuse for my lack of responsibility with this matter. I have worked diligently my entire career to protect people, especially our youth. However, I have failed to do just that, and I’m devastated with my lack of accountability in this matter.” Main said he used the lockerroom at Shepherd Middle School to change from street clothes into uniform for an event on the weekend. Main said he believed the gun — his backup weapon — was in his bag when he left. A student later found the gun and told an adult, according to Main.

It wasn’t clear if Main would face disciplinary action. Shepherd police Chief Luke Sawyer told The Associated Press Tuesday that his department is investigating the incident and that the findings will be turned over to the Isabella County prosecutor’s office. Prosecutors will decide if any charges are to be filed in the case. The Isabella County prosecutor’s office said Tuesday that it also is looking into the incident, but had no further comment. Main told the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant that Isabella County deputies are permitted to carry guns while off-duty. He said deputies are not subject to gun-free zone requirements at schools because they are not carrying under concealed pistol licence requirements.