Gun-carrying student apprehended on campus

An NIC student carrying a firearm on campus was apprehended this morning by the Coeur d’Alene police.

The student, Michael Rustin Dan, 34, from Rathdrum, was confronted in the Hedlund Building without incident, and no threats were made toward the college, students, or its employees.

The police confirmed that Dan was carrying a revolver when they confronted him, and during the event nearby classrooms were locked down.

This response came after another student reported the policy breach to campus security on Feb. 6. The student had been hanging out with Dan and saw his revolver.

According to the student that reported him, Dan had been upset and the student was concerned that he may engage in some form of self-harm.

Dan had purchased several hollow-point rounds for his revolver, and he was not permitted to carry a concealed weapon. He also was in possession of methamphetamine-related substances.

Following this event NIC officials sent out a newsletter summarizing the event to explain the heightened police presence on campus.

Three weeks prior, the NIC board of trustees voted to oppose Senate Bill 1254, which would allow for firearms to be carried on campuses by individuals with concealed carry permits. Other community colleges in Idaho, the state board of education, and Governor Otter also voted to oppose the bill.

A hearing for Senate Bill 1254 is set for the morning of Feb. 12.

With this new gun bill making the rounds in the state legislature, the NIC board of trustees said that they may take a look at NIC’s guns policy.

Fire trucks and ambulances were also dispatched this morning, but according to the newsletter their presence was coincidental.