Lafayette Man Arrested After Attempting to Bring Concealed Firearm into High School Football Game

On Thursday (Sep. 19), a 19-year-old man was arrested at Comeaux High School while attempting to bring a concealed firearm into a high school football game. The football game was actually between Southside High and Madison Prep, but held at Comeaux High School and attended by numerous students and community members from each respective school.

According to a press release from the Lafayette Police Department, officers were on duty for security when the school's weapons detection system alerted them to a potential firearm at approximately 6:32 p.m. The suspect, identified as Ethan Lundberg, was quickly detained after police confirmed he was in possession of a firearm. He was arrested without incident and charged with possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone. Lundberg was subsequently booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Fortunately, no students or attendees were harmed during the incident. Sergeant Robin Green with Lafayette PD emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment, stating, "The safety of our students, staff, and community members remains our top priority." She also reiterated that schools are designated as firearm-free zones.

In response to the incident, the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) lauded the effectiveness of its weapons detection system. Tracy Wirtz, an LPSS spokesperson, highlighted the swift actions of school officials and the police in ensuring the safety of all attendees. Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. remarked, "We've discovered that Lafayette Parish schools and facilities are among the safest not only in the state, but in the country."

This certainly highlights the importance and effectiveness of the ongoing safety measures in schools, including the installation of advanced weapons detection systems, the presence of trained school resource officers, and enhanced access control measures.

As we continue the school year, LPSS remains committed to providing and maintaining a secure learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially.