Student with loaded handgun at Gaithersburg HS under arrest, police say

Weapon found Monday was privately manufactured

March 12, 2024 11:35 p.m.

This story, originally published at 7:35 p.m. on March 12, 2024, was updated at 10 a.m. on March 13, 2024, to add a letter from Gaithersburg High School Principal Cary Dimmick and information from digital court records.

An 18-year-old student was arrested Tuesday at Gaithersburg High School after he was allegedly found in possession of a loaded privately manufactured handgun, according to Gaithersburg police.

In a statement, police said Josue Rivas of Gaithersburg was charged with underage possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded handgun, and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.

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During a meeting Tuesday, Rivas disclosed to school administration and security that he possessed a weapon on school property and willingly handed it over, Principal Cary Dimmick wrote Monday in a letter to the school community.

According to police, community engagement officers were called to the school at 10:46 a.m. While conducting an investigation, the school’s security team members “made contact with Rivas, conducted a search, and located a loaded handgun in the presence of officers,” according to the statement. Rivas was then arrested.

“We want to thank our school security staff, as well as our Community Education Officers Amy Ovalle and Robert Blackmon, as well as our City of Gaithersburg Police partners, for all their unwavering support as we continue to ensure a safe and secure environment for all our students, staff, and visitors,” Dimmick said in the letter.

Attorney information for Rivas was not available Wednesday morning.

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