PIKEVILLE, Ky. (EKB) – The man accused of bringing guns and a weapon onto high school property back in March has been indicted for the incident
According to sheriff’s officials, students reported a suspicious person on the property of Shelby Valley High School. A deputy on school duty found the suspect, Michael Balke, on campus.
Balke was discovered to be in possession of methamphetamine, pills, drug paraphernalia and a handgun. Balke was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, prescription controlled substance not in a proper container and other charges.
On Friday, a grand jury indicted him on all charges.
Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Bartley told EKB that although the situation may have been frightening, it appears Balke was simply stranded in the area near the school following a botched drug transaction and that students and staff at the school were never in any danger. Balke told police he had ridden to an apartment complex near the school with other people in order to buy drugs, but was left by those with whom he rode.
The firearm charge could carry a ten-year prison sentence.
