Loaded firearm found on East Wake High School student, sheriff's office says

WENDELL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A student at East Wake High School was found carrying a loaded firearm on campus Tuesday, according to the Wake County Sheriff's Office.

A school resource officer and school administrators acted quickly after receiving a report and located the student. Authorities confirmed the student was in possession of a loaded firearm.

No injuries were reported. Juvenile petitions are expected to be filed.

School leaders sent this statement out to parents:
"East Wake High School families,
First, know that all students are safe.
To keep you informed, I wanted to let you know about an incident that occurred today.
This morning, a staff member reported to administration that a student had a firearm on campus. Administration and law enforcement quickly located the student and determined they were in possession of a loaded firearm. WCPSS staff worked in conjunction with the Wake County Sheriff's Office to confiscate the firearm.
Having a weapon on a school campus is a very serious offense. Any student found in possession of a weapon or a facsimile of a weapon on school grounds or on one of our buses will be disciplined in accordance with district policies. While we are not allowed to discuss disciplinary action for an individual student, we can note that state law requires a 365-day suspension of any student in possession of a firearm.
Please be vigilant and monitor the activities and actions of your child. Please secure all firearms in your home. Always keep your firearms locked in a gun safe that cannot be easily broken into or taken away.
The best means to keep schools safe is to maintain healthy and open relationships between adults and children at all times. Please remind your student they can always feel comfortable reporting matters that cause them concern to a teacher or administrator.
Students and parents can also report safety concerns to our anonymous tip line, (919) 856-1911 or the Say Something app.
Know that we will continue to take every measure to ensure the safety of our students.
Thank you for your continued support of our school."

The sheriff's office is still conducting its investigation.

Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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