Gun found in backpack of Durham middle school student after authorities receive tip
Administrators at Sherwood Githens Middle School found a handgun in a student’s backpack Wednesday after receiving a tip that the student had an airsoft gun.
Principal Sheldon Lanier wrote parents that administrators “immediately brought that student in” after receiving the tip and found the firearm.
The gun was confiscated and law enforcement is investigating, Lanier said.
“I’m eternally grateful for the student who saw something and said something, for our school leaders who immediately responded and kept our students and staff safe, and for law enforcement for their prompt response,” Lanier said.
School system policy dictates that any student who brings a weapon on campus will be suspended for a minimum of 365 days, the principal wrote.
The age and grade of the student were not released.
The News & Observer has reached out to Durham law enforcement agencies for more information.
Weapons found on Durham school campuses
This is the latest incident of a weapon found on or near a Durham school campus.
On March 22, three teens were shot — two fatally — near Brogden Middle School. An 18-year-old has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
On March 16, two weapons were found in unrelated incidents at Lowe’s Grove Middle School and Hillside High School. In both situations, no one was injured, and both students were charged.
On Feb. 24, a student at Jordan High School in Durham brought a loaded gun to school, prompting a lockdown while authorities searched for the weapon. The 14-year-old was carrying the handgun in his bag. A juvenile petition was obtained to charge the student.
Also in February, two Hillside High students were shot near campus, with one dying from his injuries. No one has been charged in the shooting.
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This story was originally published April 5, 2023 at 7:13 PM.
