A message was sent to parents Wednesday afternoon, alerting them that a gun was found inside a student’s backpack at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology.
School officials were alerted about the gun by a tip.
Now, parents are on edge, questioning how the weapon made it through the doors.
"If a kid has to bring a gun to a learning place, a learning environment, there's something else going on,” resident D.J. Johnson said.
The principal said staff members were made aware that a student may have a gun in their possession. The student was searched and an unloaded gun was found, according to the administration.
Parents received an email from the principal reassuring them the safety and well-being of their students is a top priority before telling them a student was carrying a gun.
“That’s really shocking,” said Felicia Wilson, whose child used to attend the school. “It's an awesome school. They always thrive on academics. I've never known them to have an issue."
No students or staff were threatened.
The principal asked parents to talk to students about bringing inappropriate items to school.
Administrators have not said why the gun was in the student's backpack or what consequences the student will face.
The principal said the gun was not loaded and no one was ever threatened and that the gun was recovered quickly.
Police have not been able to release any information because this is a juvenile case.
Phillip O. Berry is a magnet high school located on Alleghany Street in west Charlotte.
Message from Phillip O. Berry:
"Good afternoon Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology families,
This is Principal Kennedy with an important message.
The safety and well-being of students is a top priority for me at Phillip O. Berry.
This morning, we were made aware of a student who may have had a gun in their possession. The student was searched and the unloaded gun was found in the student's backpack.
No students or staff were ever threatened and everyone remained safe. Please, talk with your children about bringing inappropriate items to school. If you have questions, please feel free to call the school at 980-343-5992."
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