Student brought gun onto campus of Garinger High School, CMS says

CHARLOTTE — A student brought a gun onto the campus of an east Charlotte high school, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials said Thursday.

According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, a student was found walking around the campus of Garinger High School with a gun in his waistband.

The source said a Student Resource Officer found the gun.

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According to CMS, the student was found with the gun as they were entering the school’s campus.

Below is the message that CMS sent to families:

“Good morning, Garinger families,

“This is Assistant Principal Barbour calling with an important message. A student entering campus was found to be in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement was on scene to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. It is a violation of CMS policy and state law to have a weapon on any CMS campus. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against anyone in violation. Your child’s safety is our top priority. Thank you for your support of Garinger High.”

At least 19 weapons have been found on CMS school properties this academic year, according to Channel 9′s records. Police did not say if anyone would be charged or arrested in connection to this latest incident.

Weapons found on CMS campuses is an issue leaders are trying to address.

In November at a Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Earnest Winston said the statistics this year are unacceptable and that the discovery of firearms reflects broader concerns that everyone in the community must be willing to address.

At that meeting, the district said it is working on a new program to address the issue.

This is an ongoing investigation and no other information has been released.

(WATCH BELOW: CMPD: Gun found after fight at Harding High School; 2 juveniles charged)