A man who was arrested in February after he was accused of carrying a loaded firearm into North Vernon Elementary School is scheduled to stand trial on two felony charges in early 2024.

Jennings Circuit Judge Murielle Bright ordered the three-day trial of Eric Eugene Smith, 47, of North Vernon to begin with jury selection at 9 a.m. Feb. 5.

Smith is charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun within 500 feet of school property, enhanced to a Level 5 felony due to a prior domestic violence conviction, and Level 6 felony possession of a firearm on school property.

Smith was arrested Feb. 2 after school staff said he asked about the school’s policy about bringing guns into school and then showed them he had a handgun on his person, North Vernon police said.

School staff members escorted Smith outside and notified School Resource Officer Matt Staples. Smith did not get near any students, according to school staff.

Authorities said they interviewed Smith and his spouse separately at the North Vernon Police Department, where they learned Smith had made a statement two weeks earlier to his spouse that he was thinking about taking a gun to the school and addressing it with staff members.

Smith gave a verbal confirmation that he had the discussion approximately two weeks prior and that he was told by his wife that it was a bad idea, police said, noting the gun was later found at Smith’s residence.

In addition to setting trial dates, Bright ordered a final attorney conference to take place Jan. 12. The online case summary notes Bright has ordered that no continuances will be granted.