Crime & Safety
La Porte County, IN School Arrest: Gun Found in Student’s Car
La Porte County, IN – An 18 year old student was arrested Thursday morning after a firearm was allegedly found inside his vehicle on the campus of the South Central Community School Corporation in La
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-10-01T17:51:02.010Z
La Porte County, IN – An 18 year old student was arrested Thursday morning after a firearm was allegedly found inside his vehicle on the campus of the South Central Community School Corporation in La Porte County.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff ’s Office , Deputy Josh Smith responded to the school campus at approximately 8:30 a.m. Thursday after receiving information about what authorities described as suspicious behavior and activity involving a student.
The sheriff’s office identified the student as Nayden C. Thornton, 18, of Union Mills .
Deputies said Smith met with school corporation personnel in a rear parking lot and received additional information before continuing the investigation.
During that investigation, authorities allegedly recovered a firearm from inside Thornton’s vehicle. The sheriff’s office said Thornton was subsequently taken into custody.
Thornton was first transported to an area hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the La Porte County Jail , according to the department.
Authorities said Thornton was arrested on allegations of possession of a firearm on school property , a Level 6 felony; possession of a controlled substance , a Class A misdemeanor; and possession of marijuana , a Class B misdemeanor.
The sheriff’s office did not specify in its announcement what controlled substance was allegedly recovered or provide additional details about the circumstances that led school personnel to contact law enforcement.
As of the department’s Thursday update, Thornton remained housed in the La Porte County Jail on a $755 cash only bond through La Porte County Circuit Court.
The charges are accusations, and Thornton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.