A 17-year-old student at Walter Johnson High School in North Bethesda was arrested Monday and charged as an adult for possession of a loaded firearm, according to Montgomery County police.
In an email to parents, students and staff about the incident sent after school on Monday, Walter Johnson principal Jennifer Baker wrote that police did not have information about whether the student was a direct threat to the school campus or an individual and whether the student intended to harm anyone in the building.
Baker wrote in the letter to the community that an “individual” notified school administrators about the student after they believed they saw the student attempting to conceal the weapon in his clothing.
She wrote: “Together, we can work for safety in our community and school; in this case, an individual shared important information that allowed us to act promptly. This is ‘See something, Say something,’ and I am very glad this person took the initiative to report what was seen to the administration.”
In a news release, police said that a witness reported to school security that the student had a gun. After locating the student, the security team conducted a search and found a loaded 9 mm handgun.
MCPD’s Community Engagement Officers were dispatched to the high school at approximately 1:30 p.m. and arrested the student, according to the release.
The student was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit where he awaits a bond hearing, per the release. He was charged with underage possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded handgun and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property, according to police.
MoCo360’s policy is to not name minors charged with crimes, even if they are being charges as adults
In addition to the arrest, Baker said that the student will receive discipline in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.
According to MCPS’ 2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct, a student that possesses a firearm in any capacity typically will face long-term suspension or expulsion.
In the email, Baker requested parents to discuss with their child the severity of what it means to bring “anything to school that could be considered a weapon.”
Weapons of any kind are prohibited on MCPS campuses. Students that bring a weapon to school can face serious disciplinary actions and potential violation of law, Baker wrote.
