Wilmington – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 17-year-old Concord High School student on multiple weapons-related offenses after it was determined that he was in possession of a firearm while in school, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 8:03 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at Concord High School, located at 2501 Ebright Road, in Wilmington, when while in a classroom, a teacher observed a handgun fall out of the student’s book bag. The student immediately gathered the weapon and his belongings and fled the school on foot. The School Resource Officer was notified immediately and located the student on Naaman’s Rd., just east of Ebright Road, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Upon being taken into custody the student was no longer in possession of the weapon. It was determined that the student had discarded the weapon at an unknown location at some point after fleeing the school, according to Austin.
After an exhaustive search of the area utilizing Troopers on foot, K-9 units, and the Delaware State Police helicopter, the weapon could still not be located. The student has been uncooperative in assisting with the recovery of the weapon, said Austin.
The student was transported to Troop 1 where he was charged with the following:
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Juvenile
Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School Zone
Tampering With Physical Evidence
The student was arraigned in Family Court and committed to a juvenile facility on $20,000.00 secured bail.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the School Resource Officer, Cpl. J. Hatchell by calling at 302-365-8583.
Earlier in the day, this message was just sent to Concord High School families by Principal Mark Mayer.
“Good morning, Concord families. This is your proud principal, Mark Mayer. I want to make you aware of an incident that occurred this morning. While preparing for the start of testing, one of our teachers saw a handgun that had slid out of a student’s backpack. The student quickly picked up the weapon and his bag and walked out of the classroom and the building. The teacher kept his composure and followed the student, and no other students saw what happened nor were alarmed. Our School Resource Officer Corporal Hatchell responded immediately and called for additional assistance from the Delaware State Police.
Thanks to our security cameras, we were able to track the student’s movements once he left the building, and SRO Hatchell quickly apprehended the student on Naamans Road. He indicated that had tossed the weapon before walking onto Naamans Road. Troopers and canines are searching the Naamans Road area to recover the weapon.
Like you, we are deeply concerned that a student chose to bring a weapon to school. In addition to facing the consequences of our Student Code of Conduct, he is in the custody of the State Police. I want to reassure you that we are not in a lockdown, nor are students aware of what transpired this morning. Because of testing, students do not have their phones in their possession today. If you have tried to reach your child by phone, please do not be alarmed at the lack of response. Testing has continued and will continue as planned, and because of that students are not permitted to have their phones.
While there is no indication that the student planned to use the gun in school nor planned to reveal it in any way, it is nonetheless extremely upsetting and inappropriate. School is NO PLACE for a weapon of any kind. For the remainder of the day, we will have an increased law enforcement presence on campus in order to ensure that students and staff feel comfortable, and moving forward we will remain vigilant in our efforts to provide a safe, secure learning environment for all. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly.”