Police investigating after ‘large fight’ in parking lot of West Mecklenburg High School
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Nov 12 2021— The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools are investigating after a “large fight” occurred in the parking lot of West Mecklenburg High School Wednesday.
Around 12:50 p.m., CMPD officers responded to the school because of a “large fight that took place in the parking lot,” according to a police spokesperson.
“During the altercation, there was a report of someone possibly having a gun,” the spokesperson said. “No firearms were located.”
The school and nearby schools, including Tuckaseegee Elementary School, were put on lockdown for precautionary measurements while CMS Police and CMPD investigated Wednesday afternoon.
The schools are located along Tuckaseegee Road just north of Interstate 85 and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Investigators are still at the school inquiring into the cause of the fight. They are working to determine who was involved, the spokesperson explained.
CMPD confirmed to WCNC Charlotte that “two juvenile students were found in possession of knives. The knives were confiscated, and the juveniles were charged. One additional juvenile was arrested for assault.”
No one was injured, according to authorities.
CMS sent out the following message to parents:
Good afternoon, West Meck families,
This is Principal Bundrick with an important message. Today, we placed the school on lockdown due to fights and rumors of a gun on campus. The safety and security of our students and staff are of paramount importance and today’s actions were necessary to ensure that safety. No gun was found during a search by law enforcement. This behavior is not appropriate and will not be tolerated. Any students found to be involved in today’s incidents will be disciplined in accordance to the CMS Code of Student Conduct.
Earlier this month, six students at Hopewell High School in Huntersville were arrested following a fight that led to the confiscation of two guns.
The incident was one of several incidents since August where guns were found at Charlotte metro schools:
Nov. 3: Two guns, one reportedly stolen, confiscated at Hopewell High School
Oct. 29: Gun recovered at Chambers High School
Oct. 26: Gun recovered at South Mecklenburg High School
Oct. 5: Gun recovered after reported shooting near Garinger High School
So far, this school year, there have been 15 guns recovered on CMS properties. Community members are calling for change — both from within the district and outside of the classrooms.
