Loaded Gun, Marijuana Found In Student Backpack At Arlington School

ARLINGTON, VA — While searching a student backpack for suspected marijuana on Monday, a high school security officer found a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, according to the Arlington County Police.

Officers were called around noon to Arlington Community High School in the 4400 block of Fairfax Drive. They took the 17-year-old student into custody and confiscated the handgun, as well as marijuana that was also found in the backpack.

The school was placed on lockdown as officers investigated.

Police obtained petitions charging the teen with possession of a weapon on school property, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a juvenile and possession of marijuana by persons less than 21 years old, according to police. The student was then held at the juvenile detention center.

Police ask parents and guardians to talk with their students about firearm safety and explain that possessing firearms and other weapons on school grounds is prohibited by law. Additional gun safety resources are available online.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact ACPD’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).