HAMSHIRE, Texas — A plumber accused of pulling a gun out on two people at Hamshire-Fannett High School was indicted by a Jefferson County Grand Jury on Wednesday.
James Banks, 52, of Pearland was indicted for unlawfully carrying a weapon in prohibited places.
On Friday, December 16, 2022, at 7:50 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Hamshire-Fannett High School due to a disturbance.
Dispatchers were advised a contractor had pulled a gun on another employee and left in a white van marked with "JM Reed Plumbing", according to a probable cause affidavit.
After deputies arrived on scene, they were told Banks went to his vehicle to get a handgun and pointed it at another employee in front of a witness according to the affidavit.
He then left in the company van.
Jefferson County dispatchers were later told by the Chambers County Sheriff's Office that Banks was detained, according to the affidavit.
Deputies was placed in custody for a prohibited weapon in a weapon-free school zone and deadly conduct.
Deputy Barnes with the Chambers County Sheriff's Office said Banks told him he pulled out the gun in self-defense.
Banks gave deputies permission to search the vehicle. Deputies found a Taurus Millennium PT140 Pro and 40-caliber handgun.
Deputy Barnes said there was no round in the chamber, according to the affidavit.
The serial number of the handgun returned clear.
Banks was arrested without incident and transferred to the office of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6. Judge Larry Cryer for arraignment in Chambers County.
Banks was later transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information
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