Independence HS student threatened classmate with butcher knife, police say

MINT HILL, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating after a high school student said she was threatened by another student with a butcher knife.

CMPD charged Au’jhanique Law, 16, with felony assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and possession of a weapon on school grounds.

According to police reports, the incident happened Friday at Independence High School. Police said Law used a butcher knife to force the 15-year-old girl into a restroom.

Once there, police said Law threatened the girl and blocked her from leaving.

No injuries were reported. Law bonded out of jail Friday evening.

The incident comes at a time when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is trying to crack down on weapons on school campuses.

[ALSO READ: CMS student claims district's security plan isn't working days after gun found on campus]

Last year, the district boosted security by adding the random use of handheld metal detector wands on students and random backpack searches.

Some parents expressed their frustrations after learning about the incident from Channel 9's report and not from the school, saying CMS never notified them until after the story aired at 5 p.m.

They want to know why the district did not notify parents immediately, and anchor Liz Foster is working to get those answers from school leaders. She's putting together that report for Eyewitness News at 5.

The below message was sent home to Independence High School families:

Good Morning Independence families,

This is Principal Legrand to inform you that you may see media reports regarding an incident which occurred Friday at our school, involving two of our students.  

I want you to know, the safety and well being of all students and staff is a top priority for me and my team.  

This incident was limited to two students, in which a kitchen knife and a lighter were confiscated. 

No student was injured, there was no threat against our school and there was no disruption to teaching and learning.  

Students violating the Student Code of Conduct face disciplinary actions. Please speak to your child about bringing inappropriate items to school and behavior expectations. Have a good day.

Cox Media Group