Two Guilford County schools were briefly placed on lockdown Thursday morning after police discovered a loaded firearm hidden inside a student’s bookbag at High Point Central High School.
According to the High Point Police Department, the 16-year-old student had wrapped the gun in a sweatshirt and brought it onto campus. He was taken into custody and now faces several charges, including possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a handgun by a minor, and carrying a concealed weapon.
How the Incident Unfolded
Authorities said the student arrived at the school around 8:55 a.m. and passed through the building’s weapons detection system. The scanner alerted staff to his bag, leading to a search that uncovered the loaded weapon. Police emphasized that the gun was never displayed, and no one was injured during the incident.
School staff, along with the on-site School Resource Officer (SRO), immediately secured the weapon and detained the student.
Second School Placed on Lockdown
Out of an abundance of caution, nearby Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School was also briefly placed on lockdown. Both schools resumed normal operations shortly after police confirmed the situation was under control.
District Statement on Student Safety
In a news release, Guilford County Schools reaffirmed its commitment to safety:
“The student will face school and legal consequences. The safety and well-being of students and staff is the district’s top priority.”
The district also reminded students and families of the importance of reporting potential threats. Concerns can be shared anonymously through Sandy Hook Promise’s “Say Something” program or by calling 1-844-5-SayNow.
Context of Increased Concerns
The discovery came just one day after a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, where a gunman opened fire at a Catholic school, killing two children and injuring 17 others. The High Point incident, while not resulting in injuries, added to heightened concerns among parents, staff, and the wider community.