Just before 11:00 this morning 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.”