A 14-year-old student was arrested Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, for possessing a handgun on school grounds. This incident follows the September shooting that tragically claimed the lives of two teachers and two students.
The arrest occurred without incident, according to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office. The student, who was cooperative, is now being held in a juvenile detention center. Charges include weapon possession, theft, and possession of a firearm by a minor. Further details about the weapon and the circumstances leading to the arrest were not immediately released.
This latest incident has prompted further calls for enhanced security measures at the school. Parents and students attended a school board meeting Tuesday, advocating for additional security personnel, stricter bag policies, and the implementation of a more advanced security system incorporating AI-powered gun detection technology.
The district's superintendent, Dallas LeDuff, stated that a security survey is currently underway, and that the district is actively collaborating with school resource officers to determine the most appropriate security enhancements.
The September shooting, which left seven others injured, has triggered intensive discussions regarding the implementation of more security measures. Colt Gray, the accused shooter in the September incident, was charged as an adult and faces multiple counts, including murder and aggravated assault. He has pleaded not guilty. The school district also canceled classes and extracurricular activities on Thursday, and postponed an open house to review new classrooms.
The incident underscores the ongoing struggle with school safety and the profound impact of gun violence on the community.
