CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials say a loaded gun was found on the Rocky River High School campus after a safety screening was conducted during summer school.
An official with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) sent out a news release that says Rocky River High School is a CMS summer school site for high school students from multiple high schools in the district.
The safety screening was conducted in an effort to keep students and staff safe during the summer months, according to the news release.
The loaded gun was located by a canine who is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Police Department’s firearms detection team. A suspect was taken into custody and will be facing charges in reference to having the loaded gun on campus.
Police also found a non-lethal, taser-like device during the search, according to a news release.
Officials say all students and staff involved in the CMS summer school programs at Rocky River High School are safe. Below is the message sent to parents following the incident:
CMS parents,
You are receiving this message because your students may be enrolled in CMS summer school programs at Rocky River High School and we want to keep you informed about school safety efforts. CMS continues to conduct safety screenings at summer school sites to help keep weapons out of schools.
During a routine safety screening at Rocky River High School this morning, one loaded firearm was located by a CMS-PD canine firearms detection team. A suspect in this matter is safely in custody and is being charged by law enforcement. One non-lethal taser-like device was confiscated by law enforcement. All students and staff involved in CMS summer school programs at Rocky River High School are safe. The screenings proceeded without incident and there was no incident or threat of harm. Per normal safety screening procedures, Rocky River HS was placed on lockdown during today’s safety screening.
It is important for you to know that the CMS firearms detection dog does not come into direct contact with students and is handled by a specially trained law enforcement officer. The CMS canine firearms detection team examines bags, backpacks and other personal items for firearms only.
CMS asks families and students to work together to keep weapons out of schools and away from students at all times. Students can reach out to any CMS staff member for help and support with issues or concerns they want to talk about throughout the summer. Thank you for your support.
