CHARLOTTE — A 16-year-old student was arrested in southwest Charlotte after being found with an AR-15 in a duffle bag, marking the third gun-related incident involving Palisades High School.
The incident occurred at a bus stop, where the student allegedly showed off the weapon to others, according to sources.
The student, who did not bring the gun onto the school campus or threaten anyone, faces several charges.
Parents expressed mixed reactions to the incident. While some are fearful and reconsidering their children’s transportation options, others trust the school’s administration to handle the situation appropriately.
“Honestly, typical, and I hate to say that, but that’s kind of the world we live in,” said Katie Whitley, another parent, expressing her concerns about the safety of allowing her children to take the bus.
“My reaction was, I wasn’t as concerned because frankly I think the principal here is very transparent, very open,” said Marion Newman, a parent who feels reassured by the school’s handling of the situation.
Marcina Smith, another parent, expressed the difficulty of managing transportation logistics, saying, “It makes me want to be able to pick them up in the afternoon cause I have kids that go here to the high school, but then I have one at the middle school as well, and with the traffic in the afternoon don’t always make it where you can pick your kid up.”
The principal confirmed that the student was arrested before the gun could be brought onto school property.
“The safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority, and we understand this news is concerning,” the principal said in a message to families.
The school, located near Lake Wylie, is working closely with law enforcement and the CMS Police Department to address the situation.
Possession of a weapon in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and carries serious consequences.
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