–Authorities have decided not to file charges against the owner of a firearm that was found resting on the bed cover of a truck in the parking lot at Bishop Garrigan Schools last week.
According to a release from the Algona Police Department, Chief Bo Miller received a report last week from a representative of Bishop Garrigan that a passerby had discovered a firearm on the bed cover of a black pickup truck in the school parking lot.
The investigation determined both the truck and firearm belonged to Martin J. Wadle of Algona. Wadle inadvertently left the firearm on the bed cover when transferring belongings from one vehicle to another earlier in the day.
The findings of the investigation were referred to Kossuth County Attorney Todd Holmes, who concluded that criminal charges were not warranted at this time.
Officials at Bishop Garrigan declined to provide further comment, but the school did release the following statement through the diocese:
“School administration was made aware of an unattended firearm involving a staff member’s vehicle on October 6th. The weapon was confiscated by school administration and law enforcement was contacted. No student had contact with the firearm and no one was harmed. Administration and the school board are reviewing the incident. The safety of our staff and students is of the greatest importance to Bishop Garrigan Schools.”
