At approximately 3:06 PM, a physical altercation occurred between students inside George Washington High School. After the altercation, security officers were notified that one of the students involved, a 15-year-old male, was in possession of a handgun. The student was then taken to a secure office where a firearm was discovered in his bookbag.
The school was immediately placed on lockdown when this altercation occurred, and all students involved were searched for weapons. After a search of the school was complete, a systematic dismissal of students was undertaken to ensure an orderly release.
No further weapons or threats were found during the search. No students were injured in this incident. The gun was never discharged or displayed in a threatening manner.
The 15-year-old student is in custody and investigators are seeking juvenile petitions for felony possession of a firearm on school grounds VA Code 18.2-301 and underage possession of a firearm.
This case is an example of how members of the community can save lives and improve the safety of everyone when they "see something and say something" to authorities. The Danville Police Department continues to encourage citizens to share information as we partner to reduce violent crime in our community.
Additionally, anyone who witnessed or has information on this incident is asked to contact the Danville Police Department through any of the available platforms to include calling the patrol office at 434-799-6510, investigations at 434-799-6508, contacting Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000, dispatch at 911 or 434-799-5111, through social media accounts and messenger on Facebook, or use of the crime tips app CARE at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=818#. Information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case will be eligible for a cash reward.