Gun, ammunition found at Durham high school; parents voice concerns on second day of classes
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Parents of students at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability raised safety concerns after a gun and ammunition were found on campus during the second day of the school year.
The investigation began after a fight involving several students Monday afternoon. School staffers later received information that one of the students involved might have had a gun.
Deputies placed the school on secure status Tuesday morning while they searched for the student. However, that student did not come to school, according to the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
It's crazy, and it's only the second day of school. They're supposed to be here to learn. It's ridiculous. Terrifying also.- Anaudia Johnson, sister of a student
Instead, deputies said they found a handgun in one student's backpack and ammunition in the possession of another student. The sheriff's office said it is seeking juvenile petitions and secure custody orders for two students involved in the incident.
Parents waiting in the pickup line Tuesday afternoon said the discovery was unsettling, especially so early in the school year.
"It's so early in the school year. It makes me uncomfortable," parent Robert Lemons said. "I'm going to keep her home tomorrow and let things get settled. For the second day of school, it's a bad start."
RELATED | More back-to-school stories
Anaudia Johnson, whose sister attends the school, said she was shocked by the incident.
"It's crazy, and it's only the second day of school," Johnson said. "They're supposed to be here to learn. It's ridiculous. Terrifying also."
Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead urged students, staff and parents to report suspicious activity.
"When they see something suspicious, say something," Birkhead said in a statement. "I applaud the quick actions of our SROs working in conjunction with Durham Public Schools security and Southern High School staff to bring this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion."
Birkhead also encouraged students and families to contact school resource officers, school staff or use the Durham Public Schools Text-a-Tip line at 274637 to report concerns.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Durham County Sheriff's Office said it is working with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice to determine appropriate charges for the students involved.
