17-year-old Prince George’s County student arrested for loaded gun on first day of summer school
Prince George County MD July 12th, 2023 A 17-year-old Prince George’s County student was found with a loaded gun on the first day of summer school, 7News’ Maryland Bureau Reporter Brad Bell learned Monday.
It was a school security staffer who saw it first. Officials said the 17-year-old was in the cafeteria at Central High School adjusting what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. The two school resource police officers assigned to the high school then helped get that student to a more secure area.
That’s where they searched him, said Prince George’s County Police Captain Kyle Benson.
“Subsequent investigation revealed a loaded handgun in the waistband of the student. The student will be charged accordingly under the laws of Maryland.” Benson said.
Benson added that there was no disruption to the school day and there was no lockdown.
This letter was sent to families by the school’s principal:
“I am writing to inform you about an incident at the Central High School Summer School site.
A student was found to be in possession of a gun. No students or staff members were harmed in this incident. Disciplinary action is pending, according to our Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook.
The safety of our students is our top priority. Please assist in our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment by discussing with your child acceptable behaviors that support a positive school climate. Discuss with your child the consequences, such as long term suspension and expulsion, for bringing weapons or anything that resembles a weapon to school. Please encourage your child to always immediately report the sighting of any weapon or suspicious objects on school grounds to a staff member or trusted adult.”
It is just the first day of summer school but a Central High School parent who doesn’t want to be identified said she’s already uncomfortable for her child.
“There’s no one checking them as they come inside the building at all, they just free to walk in with whatever they want to walk in with,” she said.
For weeks now, 7News has been focusing on juvenile crime. We’ve reported on repeat offenders going unpunished. Last week we visited a program for juveniles who’ve done violent crimes. we asked them about school and guns. When asked how easy it is for teens to arm themselves one teen answered, “Let’s just say it’s easy.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is facing increasing pressure to act. But Monday, he rejected demands from Republicans to call a special legislative session to pass tougher laws. Moore said a special session isn’t necessary to tackle what he calls his top priority.
“We are focused on making sure keeping violent offenders off of our streets, we’re focusing on the issue of trafficking guns and drugs into our community and neighborhoods,” said Moore. “And we have to lift up the profession of law enforcement.”
The student will be charged as an adult with handgun on person, dangerous weapon on school property, loaded handgun and additional charges, officials said.
