WALDORF, Md. – On April 30, a school administrator at St. Charles High School observed a student behaving suspiciously and holding a book bag in a manner that appeared unusual.
After the student placed the book bag into a locker, the administrator conducted a search of the locker. That search led to the recovery of a fully loaded firearm.
The student, age 15, did not display the weapon. The firearm was secured, and the School Resource Officer (SRO) arrested the student on scene.
The weapon in this case is described as a polymer handgun equipped with a switch capable of converting it to function as a machine gun, and it was loaded with a 30-round magazine. This case follows a separate case on April 29, in which another loaded firearm was recovered from inside the school and a 15-year-old student was arrested.
In response to the incidents, Charles County Public Schools dismissed students for the day. Detectives from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, along with SROs, and Charles County Public Schools administrators are working in close coordination as the investigation continues. K9 gun detection teams from the CCSO, with assistance from other agencies, completed a comprehensive sweep of the school. No additional firearms were located.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff. Anyone with information about these cases or who has knowledge of any weapons in schools may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Additional details will be released when available. The investigation is ongoing.