Portsmouth High: Student Arrested For Bringing Stun Gun To School

PORTSMOUTH, RI — School resource Ofc. Maddie Pirri took a 16-year-old girl into custody on Thursday. The Portsmouth High teen was arrested for allegedly bringing a stun gun into the school. Det. Lt. Michael C. Arnold said police learned about the stun gun around 10 Thursday morning, investigated and found the stun gun in the student's possession. Her name is not being released because she is a juvenile. She is facing a weapons charge, police said. The charge is weapons other than firearms prohibited.

Police said the school sent parents an e-mail notification about the incident but mistakenly referred to the weapon as a taser.

According to experts, the main difference is range. A taser, which is actually a brand name also, can hit a target at a distance. A stun gun must be used in close contact with the target.

Courtesy Photo: Portsmouth Police