Loaded gun at Rolesville High School led to lockdown and early dismissal of students
Rolesville High School says it was placed on a code red lockdown and students were sent home early Wednesday because of a student having a loaded gun on campus.
In a message to families, the school says that at 10:47 a.m., a staff member observed a student outside of class. The staff member stopped the student, and during the process, they were found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm was confiscated.
“We went into a code red lockdown to ensure a safe environment for students and staff during the investigation of the incident,” the school said.
Under a code red, people aren’t allowed to enter or leave the campus.
Law enforcement searched the building and the surrounding area. At 12:30 p.m., it was decided to move to a code yellow and dismiss students an hour early at 1:15 p.m. under police supervision.
“While federal laws prohibit me from sharing specific information about the student involved, be assured that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to protect our students and our campus,” Principal Phelan Penny said. “State law requires an automatic 365-day suspension of any student in possession of a firearm on school property.”
Guns on campus
Guns have been reported at several Wake County schools this school year, 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 board in December to decry gun violence and to urge parents to talk with their children about how to behave in school.
