Lansing, Mich. — A Genesee County sheriff’s deputy has been charged with Reckless Use of a Firearm after leaving a loaded gun in a school parking lot in Lapeer County. The incident occurred on February 11, when a school employee discovered the firearm inside a lunch box at Lapeer High School.
At approximately 6:33 a.m. on that day, the City of Lapeer Police Department responded to the scene after the lunch box containing the gun was found in the school’s parking lot. The firearm was confirmed to belong to Jonathan Becher, a 16-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.
According to police reports, Becher had attended a basketball game at Lapeer High School the evening before, on February 10. The deputy reportedly left the gun in the parking lot by mistake. It was not until the following morning that the gun was discovered. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.
Becher was charged with one count of Reckless Use of a Firearm, a charge that carries a potential penalty of up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. He was arraigned on February 12 and released on a $500 bond.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson issued a statement condemning the deputy’s actions, calling the incident “careless and reckless.” Swanson expressed his apology to the students, staff, parents, and the entire Lapeer community, acknowledging the serious risk posed by the deputy’s mistake.
“This 16-year veteran’s actions endangered the students, staff, parents, and the community. His behavior is inexcusable,” Swanson said in a press release.
In response to the incident, Becher has been suspended from duty for 30 days without pay. In addition, he has been demoted in rank, and his access to county weapons has been revoked. Sheriff Swanson emphasized that this type of behavior does not reflect the standard of law enforcement officers, particularly those assigned to schools.
“The actions of one individual should not reflect the exemplary work performed daily by law enforcement officers, including those assigned to our schools,” Swanson stated.
While the situation has raised concerns over safety, both the sheriff’s department and local authorities have worked swiftly to address the issue, and Becher now faces the legal consequences of his reckless actions. The community, meanwhile, has been assured that the incident is being taken seriously and that steps are being taken to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
