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School Safety

Maryland School Shooting: Man Charged Days After Teen Shot In Parking Lot Brawl, Police Say Maryland School Shooting: Man Charged Days After Teen Shot In Parking Lot Brawl, Police Say
Maryland School Shooting: Man Charged Days After Teen Shot In Parking Lot Brawl, Police Say A Silver Spring man has been charged following a fight that broke out on Tuesday, leaving a teen shot at a Maryland high school. Djibia Gombo, 19, is being held behind bars after a gun was discharged during an altercation on Tuesday in the parking lot of Blake High School in the 300 block of Norwood Road in Cloverly. Officers were called shortly before 11:30 a.m. on April 29 to Blake High School in Montgomery County, where the situation unfolded, according to Montgomery County Police. Police say that during the fight, a handgun was discovered after it was reportedly thrown to the ground. T…
Smiling Mugshot Follows Alleged Drunk Outburst Inside Virginia Elementary School: Sheriff Smiling Mugshot Follows Alleged Drunk Outburst Inside Virginia Elementary School: Sheriff
Smiling Mugshot Follows Alleged Drunk Outburst Inside Virginia Elementary School: Sheriff Corene Jones was all smiles for the cameras after an alleged drunk and disorderly tirade inside a Virginia elementary school. The School Resource Officer at Spotswood Elementary School was called in on Friday afternoon to assist with a woman in the front office who was reportedly under the influence and attempting to register a new student. The officer asked Jones, 32, "who was obviously intoxicated," to step out of the front office area, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office, though she then began to struggle. Additional units were called to the school, while staffers and&…
'F— Muslims, Nuke Palestine' Graffiti Found At One Of Maryland's Top-Ranked High Schools 'F— Muslims, Nuke Palestine' Graffiti Found At One Of Maryland's Top-Ranked High Schools
'F— Muslims, Nuke Palestine' Graffiti Found At One Of Maryland's Top-Ranked High Schools A disturbing act of hate vandalism targeting Muslims was discovered at a Maryland high school, district officials announced Friday, Jan. 16. The graffiti at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda included the phrases “f— Muslims” and “Nuke Palestine,” along with a Star of David painted on a school, CAIR said. Walt Whitman High School Principal Gregory Miller condemned the graffiti in a statement issued to the school community, calling the messages “profoundly offensive, threatening, anti-Palestinian, and Islamophobic hate speech” that “will not be tolerated at Walt Whitman High Scho…
Gunfire Rips Through DC High School During Class — Two Teens Admit Opening Fire, Feds Say Gunfire Rips Through DC High School During Class — Two Teens Admit Opening Fire, Feds Say
Gunfire Rips Through DC High School During Class — Two Teens Admit Opening Fire, Feds Say Gunfire erupted during the school day, and bullets tore into classrooms.  Now, two DC teens have admitted what happened, federal prosecutors say. Two suspects have pleaded guilty after admitting they opened fire on a passing car near a Northwest DC high school, sending bullets into the building and grazing a student inside, federal authorities announced. The shooting happened on Kirby Street NW on Friday, May 3, 2024, just before 10 a.m., while classes were underway at Dunbar High School, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Saki Frost and Azhari Graves, both 19, pleaded guilty…
PG County Student Drops Loaded Gun In School Stairwell After Bypassing Security: Police PG County Student Drops Loaded Gun In School Stairwell After Bypassing Security: Police
PG County Student Drops Loaded Gun In School Stairwell After Bypassing Security: Police A student who pushed past security and left a loaded gun inside Charles Herbert Flowers High School is now facing charges, police in Maryland said on Wednesday. Prince George’s County Police said the incident began at approximately 8:50 a.m. on Nov. 18, when school security told the assigned school resource officer that a student had bypassed security personnel and ran up a set of stairs where he left the gun, according to the department.  The student then fled the school, which went into a lockdown. Patrol officers began canvassing the area. A short time later, officers found the tee…
Two Maryland Teens Busted In Simultaneous Police Raids Following Gun, Drug Probe: Sheriff Two Maryland Teens Busted In Simultaneous Police Raids Following Gun, Drug Probe: Sheriff
Two Maryland Teens Busted In Simultaneous Police Raids Following Gun, Drug Probe: Sheriff Two Maryland teens — one of whom was previously busted with a gun inside Frederick High School last month — are facing multiple weapons offenses following a lengthy investigation, authorities announced. On Monday, Nov. 3, members of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office executed two search warrants simultaneously, leading to the arrests of Benjamin Daniel Orellana Waltemath, 18, and Julius Carter Benjamin, 16, in the Jefferson Place neighborhood. According to investigators, detectives conducted a search of a home in the 5900 block of Jefferson Commons Way, where they seized a rifle, a …
20 Shot, At Least 4 Killed At HS Football Homecoming Gathering In Mississippi 20 Shot, At Least 4 Killed At HS Football Homecoming Gathering In Mississippi
20 Shot, At Least 4 Killed At HS Football Homecoming Gathering In Mississippi A homecoming night in a Mississippi Delta town ended in chaos as gunfire tore through a street gathering, leaving multiple people dead and many more wounded. Around midnight Saturday, Oct. 11, the shooting erupted on Main Street in Leland, a Washington County city of about 4,000 roughly 120 miles northwest of Jackson, the state's capital.  According to ABC affiliate WAPT in Jackson, State Sen. Derrick Simmons said 20 people were shot during a gathering that followed the Leland High School homecoming game Friday night. Four people were killed, and four were airlifted to the University o…
Shots Fired Near Maryland Schools Puts Campuses In Secure Mode: Police (DEVELOPING) Shots Fired Near Maryland Schools Puts Campuses In Secure Mode: Police (DEVELOPING)
Shots Fired Near Maryland Schools Puts Campuses In Secure Mode: Police (Developing) Reports of shots fired near Tyler Heights Elementary sent some schools in Anne Arundel County into “secure mode” late Wednesday morning, police said. The Annapolis Police Department said officers responded around 10:58 a.m. Sept. 24, to the area of Tyler Avenue after reports of gunfire. While the incident happened close to Tyler Heights Elementary, investigators stressed that it was not school-related and there was no immediate threat to students. Still, Anne Arundel County Public Schools placed all Annapolis cluster schools — except Annapolis High — in secure mode “out of an abundance of …
Teen Shot, 18-Year-Old Busted On Gun, Weapon Charges In DMV, Sheriff Says Teen Shot, 18-Year-Old Busted On Gun, Weapon Charges In DMV, Sheriff Says
Teen Shot, 18-Year-Old Busted On Gun, Weapon Charges In DMV, Sheriff Says A Virginia teenager is behind bars after a classmate was shot in Spotsylvania County, officials said. Leysean Anthony Blair, 18, of Spotsylvania County, was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 16, in connection with a shooting that left a 16-year-old boy wounded, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies first responded around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, to the 10900 block of Taney Drive for reports of a shooting, the sheriff’s office said. When they arrived, they found a 16-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the stomach. He was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threateni…
Virginia Teen Shot, Classmate Arrested After Deputies Recover Gun In DMV: Sheriff Virginia Teen Shot, Classmate Arrested After Deputies Recover Gun In DMV: Sheriff
Virginia Teen Shot, Classmate Arrested After Deputies Recover Gun In DMV: Sheriff A group of teen students caused chaos in Virginia, leaving one shot and one facing charges. Deputies from the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office say a 16-year-old boy was shot in the stomach around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, in the 10900 block of Taney Drive.  He was rushed to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses told deputies two people may have been involved, and officers quickly spotted them on a nearby street, but when they tried to question the teens, things escalated fast. According to the sheriff’s office, one of the teens — a 15-year-old — made “furtive moveme…
BB Gun, Bullet Found In Maryland High School Classroom; Teens Arrested After Lockdown: Police BB Gun, Bullet Found In Maryland High School Classroom; Teens Arrested After Lockdown: Police
BB Gun, Bullet Found In Maryland High School Classroom; Teens Arrested After Lockdown: Police Two 15-year-old students are facing charges after a Maryland high school was placed on lockdown Thursday when officers found a BB gun and a live round of ammunition inside the building, officials said. Montgomery County Police said Northwood High School went into lockdown just after 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, when reports came in that a student may have a firearm inside. School administrators and Community Engagement Officers searched a classroom and found two students. On a desk near one of the teens, police said they saw a gun magazine. A search of the students led to the recovery…
Gun Reports Trigger Two Police Responses, Lockdown At Maryland High School (DEVELOPING) Gun Reports Trigger Two Police Responses, Lockdown At Maryland High School (DEVELOPING)
Gun Reports Trigger Two Police Responses, Lockdown At Maryland High School (Developing) Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police were called to Northwood High School twice Thursday for separate reports of a possible gun near campus. The school was locked down around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, as officers investigated reports of a gun — their second call of the day. Earlier, shortly after 11 a.m., officers were called to the 11200 block of Old Georgetown Road to investigate reports of a person with a gun, prompting officials to place Northwood High School in “secure status.” That incident was ultimately cleared. As of 1 p.m. Thursday, police were still inv…
‘Active Assailant’ Incident: At Least 2 Students Shot At High School Outside Denver ‘Active Assailant’ Incident: At Least 2 Students Shot At High School Outside Denver
‘Active Assailant’ Incident: At Least 2 Students Shot At High School Outside Denver Two high school students were shot and critically injured during what authorities labeled an “active assailant” incident at a suburban Denver high school. The shooting occurred around 12:40 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado.  The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert for an “active assailant” in the area as law enforcement converged on the campus. Officials said at least two students were hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect was also shot during the incident. Additional details about the suspect’s conditi…
Sprinkler Stops Fire At Maryland High School, Students Get Day Off Sprinkler Stops Fire At Maryland High School, Students Get Day Off
Sprinkler Stops Fire At Maryland High School, Students Get Day Off A sprinkler system is being credited with saving a Maryland high school after an electrical fire broke out Tuesday night — but students still got the day off while crews cleaned up, officials said. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire happened at Queen Anne’s High School on Ruthsburg Road in Centreville around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The school’s alarm company alerted 911, and a custodian also discovered the blaze after the alarm activation. Investigators said the fire started in a rear first-floor office and was caused by “an unspecified electrical event involving…
Swatting Call Triggers Lockdown At Maryland High School: Police Swatting Call Triggers Lockdown At Maryland High School: Police
Swatting Call Triggers Lockdown At Maryland High School: Police A swatting call was to blame for a temporary high school lockdown in the area on Wednesday afternoon. Reports of a person carrying a firearm near Rockville High School proved to be unfounded on Wednesday, following a multi-agency investigation, though not before the building was locked down as a precaution. Officers from the Montgomery County and Rockville police departments, along with US Park Police, were called to the high school before 2 p.m. on Sept. 3 to investigate the call. @MCPS has placed Rockville High School on lockdown following the report of a person with a firearm near th…
Masked Minor With Toy Gun Sparks School Scare In Southern Maryland, Sheriff Says Masked Minor With Toy Gun Sparks School Scare In Southern Maryland, Sheriff Says
Masked Minor With Toy Gun Sparks School Scare In Southern Maryland, Sheriff Says A juvenile wearing a Nerf mask and carrying a toy gun triggered a school safety scare in Southern Maryland, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were called to Leonardtown Elementary School at about 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, after a 911 caller reported seeing a masked person possibly carrying a gun near the campus, the sheriff’s office said. When deputies arrived, they immediately secured the school property while administrators initiated safety protocols. An investigation determined the person was a minor who “did not make any threats and appeared unaware of …
New Update: 2 Killed, 17 Injured In Mass Shooting At School In Minneapolis New Update: 2 Killed, 17 Injured In Mass Shooting At School In Minneapolis
New Update: 2 Killed, 17 Injured In Mass Shooting At School In Minneapolis This story has been updated. A suspect is dead, two children were killed and 17 other people and have been injured after an active shooter incident at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. The incident unfolded around 8:30 a.m. local time Wednesday, Aug. 27 at Annunciation Church and School. An all-school mass had just gotten underway when the incident happened, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said, calling the incident an "unthinkable tragedy" at a midday news conference. The two children who were killed, ages 8 and 10, were seated in a pew when they were shot from outside th…
Middle School Librarian Shared Child Porn; Had Box Of Kids’ Items, Costumes: DOJ Middle School Librarian Shared Child Porn; Had Box Of Kids’ Items, Costumes: DOJ
Middle School Librarian Shared Child Porn; Had Box Of Kids’ Items, Costumes: DOJ Federal prosecutors say a Longmeadow Public Schools middle school librarian is facing child pornography charges after a months-long undercover investigation. Scott McGinley, 55, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, is accused of distributing child sexual abuse material in an online group called “Little boyz only.” Authorities say that during conversations with undercover officers posing as fellow users, McGinley allegedly disclosed his sexual preference for “boys age 2-12” and “especially 4-7.' The US Attorney for Massachusetts prosecutors say McGinley told the undercover officer he had “students” wh…
Maryland Man Threatened Mass Violence At Elementary School Children’s Camp: Sheriff Maryland Man Threatened Mass Violence At Elementary School Children’s Camp: Sheriff
Maryland Man Threatened Mass Violence At Elementary School Children’s Camp: Sheriff A man is behind bars after authorities said he threatened mass violence at a children’s camp on Tuesday and then assaulted two deputies trying to arrest him. Benjamin Dewees, 28, of Emmitsburg, made the threats around 10:11 a.m. on July 29 at Emmitsburg Elementary School, where the camp was being held, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Children and staff were immediately brought inside the building, which was placed on lockdown for safety precautions, investigators said.  Deputies located Dewees a short time later nearby on West Main Street in Emmitsburg, the sheriff…
MD Ranked Top 10 Nationally For School Quality, Safety In New Study: Here's Why MD Ranked Top 10 Nationally For School Quality, Safety In New Study: Here's Why
MD Ranked Top 10 Nationally For School Quality, Safety In New Study: Here's Why Many public school systems in the Northeast are outperforming the rest of the country in quality and safety, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States with the Best & Worst School Systems on Monday, July 21. The study ranked every state's public schools based on academic performance, safety, funding, and teacher credentials. Massachusetts ranked No. 1 in the country, earning top scores in both fourth- and eighth-grade math and reading. The Bay State also had the highest share of students scoring a three or better on Advanced Placement (AP) exams and …
‘Combative’ Maryland Teen Goes Off At School—Chokes Student, Attacks Staffer, Sheriff Says ‘Combative’ Maryland Teen Goes Off At School—Chokes Student, Attacks Staffer, Sheriff Says
‘Combative’ Maryland Teen Goes Off At School—Chokes Student, Attacks Staffer, Sheriff Says A Maryland middle schooler went wild in the hallway, choking a classmate, punching a staffer, and fighting with a cop before being taken down, authorities said. The chaos unfolded at Mattawoman Middle School in Charles County on Monday, June 9, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. The 14-year-old student allegedly grabbed another teen by the neck, slammed them against a wall, and pinned them there, investigators said. When a school staff member tried to break it up, the student struck the adult in the chest and then ran from the scene. That’s when a school resource officer ste…
Attempted Abduction Near Virginia Bus Stop Foiled By Quick-Thinking Kid: Police Attempted Abduction Near Virginia Bus Stop Foiled By Quick-Thinking Kid: Police
Attempted Abduction Near Virginia Bus Stop Foiled By Quick-Thinking Kid: Police A fast-acting child is being credited with stopping a potential abduction near a Virginia bus stop after running to a trusted adult, who helped lead police straight to the suspect, authorities said. The attempted abduction happened around 8:48 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, near Wadsworth Court and Little River Turnpike in Annandale, according to Fairfax County Police. Police say Hugo Perez Soliz, 45, pulled up in a black Subaru and tried to persuade the child to get into his vehicle while the child was waiting for the school bus. Instead, the child ran to a trusted adult nearby who took a photo of…
Florida Man Left Loaded Gun In Car—9-Year-Old Took It To Maryland School, Sheriff Says Florida Man Left Loaded Gun In Car—9-Year-Old Took It To Maryland School, Sheriff Says
Florida Man Left Loaded Gun In Car—9-Year-Old Took It To Maryland School, Sheriff Says A Florida man who left his loaded gun in a car before a 9-year-old brought it to school — where it later discharged inside a Maryland classroom — is now facing charges, police announced. Phillip McRay Bright, 68, of Crestview, Florida, has been charged in connection with the April 10 firearm incident at Billingsley Elementary School in Waldorf, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say the 9-year-old student accidentally fired the gun inside a classroom after stashing it in his backpack days earlier.  No one was injured, but the incident sparked a lockdown an…
Lockdown Lifted At Maryland High School After Police Respond To Threatening Call Lockdown Lifted At Maryland High School After Police Respond To Threatening Call
Lockdown Lifted At Maryland High School After Police Respond To Threatening Call The lockdown at Bel Air High School has officially been lifted after police cleared the building following a threatening phone call that claimed someone inside planned to harm themselves, officials said. The scare started Friday morning when an unidentified person contacted the Bel Air Police Department claiming they were inside the school with the intent to do personal harm, according to Harford County Public Schools. In response, the building was placed on lockdown as officers, school safety liaisons, and regional security teams rushed to the scene and began sweeping classrooms and restro…
Maryland Schools, Fire Marshal Warn Parents About ‘Dangerous’ Viral USB Challenge Maryland Schools, Fire Marshal Warn Parents About ‘Dangerous’ Viral USB Challenge
Maryland Schools, Fire Marshal Warn Parents About ‘Dangerous’ Viral USB Challenge School officials in the region are sounding the alarm after a disturbing social media trend has reportedly reached students — one that could cause fires, chemical exposure, or even explosions. Harford County Public Schools issued a warning to families on Thursday, May 8, after learning that some students may be trying a viral online challenge that involves sticking metal objects like paperclips or pencil lead into the USB ports of school-issued laptops. “This action can cause toxic chemical release if the battery is compromised, explosions, and more,” officials said in a message sent to all…
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Maryland High School, Police Say Loaded Gun Found On Student At Maryland High School, Police Say
Loaded Gun Found On Student At Maryland High School, Police Say A teenager was busted with a loaded handgun on a Maryland high school campus Thursday afternoon, officials said. Police in Gaithersburg arrested a 15-year-old student after they say he brought a loaded, privately manufactured firearm — also known as a ghost gun — onto school grounds. The incident happened around 1:11 p.m. on May 8 at Gaithersburg High School, located on Education Boulevard, according to the Gaithersburg Police Department. Officers were called to the school after administrators raised concerns, officials said.  During their investigation, a Community Engagement Office…
Teens Charged As Adults After Loaded Gun Found In Banned Backpack At Wise HS: Police Teens Charged As Adults After Loaded Gun Found In Banned Backpack At Wise HS: Police
Teens Charged As Adults After Loaded Gun Found In Banned Backpack At Wise HS: Police Two 10th-grade boys will be charged as adults after a loaded gun was found hidden inside a banned bookbag at Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, according to Prince George’s County Police. The incident happened around 1:55 p.m. Thursday, May 1, when school security officers saw one student hand off a black bookbag to another student in a hallway.  Only clear backpacks are allowed on campus, police said. Security searched the bag and found a loaded firearm inside. Both students ran from the building before they could be detained. The two suspects — a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old — ar…
Maryland Substitute Teacher Removed After Child Pornography Arrest, Officials Say Maryland Substitute Teacher Removed After Child Pornography Arrest, Officials Say
Maryland Substitute Teacher Removed After Child Pornography Arrest, Officials Say A substitute teacher who briefly worked at two Maryland high schools has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, school officials announced. Thomas Miller was arrested by Baltimore County Police and is facing charges unrelated to his work inside Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) buildings, according to a statement released by officials. Officials said Miller worked only three days within HCPSS: Dec. 13, 2024 at Wilde Lake High School; Jan. 4, 2025 at Marriotts Ridge High School; March 7, 2025 again at Marriotts Ridge. Police confirmed that the criminal…
Maryland Teen Caught With Loaded Ghost Gun, Drugs At School Charged As Adult: Sheriff Maryland Teen Caught With Loaded Ghost Gun, Drugs At School Charged As Adult: Sheriff
Maryland Teen Caught With Loaded Ghost Gun, Drugs At School Charged As Adult: Sheriff The 17-year-old student caught with a loaded handgun and a stash of drugs at Westlake High School in Charles County is now facing adult charges, authorities announced. The student was arrested Thursday, April 24, after administrators at the school noticed a strong odor of cannabis coming from the teen around 7:30 a.m., according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. When confronted, the student became combative and tried to flee with a backpack. A school resource officer who responded to the scene detained the teen, even as the student resisted arrest, officials said. During a search of …
Gun Found In Maryland Student’s Backpack During Pot Investigation: Sheriff Gun Found In Maryland Student’s Backpack During Pot Investigation: Sheriff
Gun Found In Maryland Student’s Backpack During Pot Investigation: Sheriff What started as a search for cannabis turned into a much more serious discovery at a Maryland high school, when officials found a loaded handgun in a student’s backpack. A student at Westlake High School in Charles County is in custody after school staff and deputies investigating him for possessing cannabis found a handgun in his backpack, officials confirmed Thursday morning. The incident unfolded early on April 24, though authorities have not specified the exact time. No one was injured, and there were no threats of violence, the sheriff's office said. "The gun was not displayed, and th…
Gun Fired In Maryland Elementary School Belonged To Visiting Relative, Police Say Gun Fired In Maryland Elementary School Belonged To Visiting Relative, Police Say
Gun Fired In Maryland Elementary School Belonged To Visiting Relative, Police Say A loaded handgun that went off inside a Maryland elementary school earlier this month belonged to a visiting relative, and potential charges are now pending, authorities said. Investigators in Charles County have wrapped their probe into the April 10 firearm incident at Billingsley Elementary School and confirmed the gun did not belong to the student who brought it. Instead, detectives determined the firearm “belonged to a relative of the student who was visiting from out of town,” the sheriff’s office announced on Tuesday, April 22. The gun went off during school hours, and although no on…