When the first bell rang at West Mecklenburg High School Friday morning, eight students who should have been in class were discovered deep in the woods off Rayecliff Drive in Charlotte.

An investigation began when a parent called the police saying his child was harassed at the bus stop.

The investigation led to 8 students hanging out at a makeshift camp in the woods. Police found marijuana, a pipe and a bong at the site.

Some of the teenagers were cited for misdemeanor drug possession. Those who were underage were escorted to school as truants and school officials called their parents.

Officials at the school district said they are dealing primarily with truancy issues. Interviews are in progress to determine with the students involved left campus after arriving at school.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools have a hotline used to report students who may be skipping class. The number is 704-331-4868.