Parent alerts police to man with gun near Biloxi school - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

It was a scary morning for some parents at Biloxi Junior High School. Authorities say a man with a loaded gun was found walking near the school early Tuesday morning. Police say the situation ended peacefully, thanks to a sharp-eyed parent.

It was shortly before 7:30 am. Parents were dropping off their children on Irish Hill Drive, on the north side of Biloxi Junior High. That's when an observant parent noticed something rather shocking.

"A citizen called us, very astute citizen, and said they saw a fellow with a gun walking on Irish Hill," said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller.

Chief Miller said the caller saw a gun tucked in the waistband of the man's pants. Biloxi Schools Superintendent Arthur McMillan said the man was never on campus, but he came dangerously close.

When asked if the man walked past where parents were dropping off children, McMillan replied, "He did walk up the sidewalk. The parents pulled in, sure did. That's too close. I think anytime you got a person on the street with a gun, it would be a potential danger."

Chief Miller said several officers happened to be near the school. They arrived within minutes to arrest the man, identified as 21 year old Carltavious Emmanuel Causey.

"He didn't want to comply and the officers had to use a little force to get him on the ground, get him handcuffed," said Miller.

The chief said his officers found a loaded 9mm handgun on him. They said that gun may have been stolen.

"We have a good idea that this gun was probably, very recently, perhaps this morning, stolen," said Miller. "We don't have any details on that right now, but I would ask right now, if you have a handgun, make sure you still have it."

No one was hurt and classes started on time. Police and school leaders credit that alert parent for keeping everyone safe.

"You always think of the worst, you hope for the best, and that's what happened today," said McMillan. "We had such a good awareness from a citizen and response from the police, it really just turned out well."

The chief said since Causey was so close to the school, he is charged with possession of a firearm on educational property. Causey was taken to the Harrison County Jail.  Bond was set at $50,000 bond.  If convicted, he could face up to three years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Copyright 2012 WLOX. All rights reserved.