Another gun incident in Wake County as student brings weapon to middle school
A student brought a gun Tuesday to Wendell Middle School — the latest incident of a firearm being brought to a Wake County school.
In a message Tuesday to parents, Wendell Middle Principal Catherine Trudell said a student reported to staff that another student was in possession of a firearm. Trudell said the firearm was quickly confiscated from the student and that no one was injured.
“A thorough investigation by law enforcement and WCPSS Security has revealed that the student did not mean to bring harm to our school, but instead was showing the weapon to classmates,” Trudell said. “There is no indication that anyone was threatened.”
Trudell said any student found in possession of a weapon or a facsimile of a weapon on school grounds or on a school bus will be disciplined in accordance with district policies and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Under North Carolina law, bringing a gun to school is an automatic 365-day suspension from school.
A woman has been charged with storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor. Maj. Barry Jones with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed she was charged at the school in connection with the incident but did not say whether she is related to the student.
“We are grateful to the student who reported this to staff,” Trudell said. “The best means to keep schools safe is to maintain healthy and open relationships between adults and children at all times. Please remind your student they can always feel comfortable reporting matters that cause them concern to a teacher or administrator.”
Students and parents can also report safety concerns to Wake’s anonymous tip line, 919-856-1911.
Guns on campus
Guns have been reported at several Wake County schools this school year, including Feb. 1 at Rolesville High School. It led to students being sent home early that day.
Guns have also been fired on Wake County campuses, including on Dec. 8 when a Fuquay-Varina Middle School teacher disarmed a 12-year-old student who fired a gun in class.
The teacher has been praised for her actions in saving lives that day.
On Oct. 12, a single gunshot was fired in a restroom at Cary High School. There were no injuries, but two juveniles face charges, The News & Observer previously reported.
The incidents led the Wake County school leaders to urge parents to keep guns safely store and away from students. Wake is also facing mounting pressure to join other school districts that are installing weapons detectors at schools.
This story was originally published February 14, 2023 at 5:49 PM.
