APS Student Facing Weapons Charge For Bringing Knife To School: ACPD

ARLINGTON, VA — A student in Arlington Public Schools was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon by police for threatening another student with a knife on Tuesday afternoon, according to Arlington County Police.

Officers responded around 12:47 p.m. for the report of threats being made at Swanson Middle School at 5800 N Washington Blvd. in the Westover neighborhood. The officers determined that three boys were involved in a dispute, when one of them threatened the victim with a knife, according to police. No injuries were reported.

School officials searched the suspect’s belongings and found two knives, which they turned over to ACPD, according to the incident report. The teenage suspect was taken into custody and police obtained a petition against the suspect for possession of a weapon on school property.

The following message was sent home with students on Tuesday night.

Dear Swanson Families,

I want to make the community aware of an incident that occurred at Swanson today. Our administrative team found a student in possession of two knives on school grounds during an investigation of a report of a possible safety concern. Our administrative team immediately confiscated the knives and contacted Safety, Security and Emergency Management and the Arlington County Police Department to investigate further, in accordance with our protocols.

At no time were the knives brought out at school; however, we take every report of a possible safety threat very seriously. The student responsible has received consequences in accordance with the Arlington Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and the matter is under further investigation by law enforcement.

We appreciate the students who reported their concerns and ask all members of our community to report any threats they may see or hear so that we can respond immediately. I also want to ask our families to help us by reminding all students that it is against the law and a violation of our Student Code of Conduct to bring weapons of any type to school.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in keeping Swanson safe.

Sincerely,

Bridget Loft

Principal