Police ID student who brought loaded handgun to West Charlotte HS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials said children’s lives were put in danger Friday morning after authorities found a loaded handgun inside West Charlotte High School.

A school resource officer approached a group of students on campus who were loitering. The officer asked the students to be searched. Nelson Smith, 17, tried to pull away from the officer and during the struggle, the officer saw a gun in the student's waistband.

Smith was taken into custody without further incident and the gun was seized.

Channel 9 shared the disturbing news with some parents, who immediately were upset. One mother confronted the front office and was told a letter was sent out.

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Some students told Channel 9 reporter Gina Esposito they couldn't leave their classrooms for a little over an hour but were not told anything about a gun.

One student said his classmates should know better.

“People need to think smarter when they go to school,” said Jakse Taylor. “When you go to school, you suppose to just got to school, work, learn.”

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Smith was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and gun on an educational property.

No threats were made at the school, officials said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools sent the following message to parents:

"Good morning West Charlotte families. This is Principal Barnes-Jones with an important message. Safety of our school, students and staff is important to me and I want to keep you updated about incidents that happen at school. Because of the tight security processes we have in place, this morning a student was found with a loaded firearm in their possession. Any student with a weapon on campus will be disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct. This was an isolated incident and no students or staff were ever threatened and everyone is safe. Our school was placed on a restricted movement as a precautionary action. We have secured additional resource officers as an added precaution.

"Classes continued as normal. Please, talk with your children about bringing inappropriate items to school. Thank you for your involvement with your student at West Charlotte."

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