HAMPTON, Va. — A Hampton student is facing charges after a gun was allegedly found inside his vehicle while on school grounds.
The Hampton Police Division said on Wednesday afternoon a school resource officer was notified about a possible weapon at the Adult and Alternative Learning School on Briarfield Road. Investigators said K9 teams were on school grounds conducting a weapon and narcotic scan when an alert was made on a vehicle in the school parking lot.
The student who drove the vehicle was identified and police said a gun was found inside it following a search.
Hampton police said 18-year-old Aaron Wilson is charged with one count of possession of a firearm on school property and one count of possession of marijuana on school property.
Myra Chambers, Director of Adult and Alternative Learning Center sent the following letter to families:
In our ongoing efforts to keep students and staff safe, we continue consistent random safety sweeps utilizing specially trained canines. This proactive effort is to deter students and guests from bringing illegal substances to school. The canines are trained to detect illicit drug odors, gunpowder based items, and prescription medications.
During today’s random campus visit, a canine alerted staff to a car in the student parking lot during our afternoon session. We immediately looked into this concern and identified the ALC student. The student was cooperative and disclosed there was a firearm in the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and it was confirmed that a firearm was inside the vehicle.
This is certainly a serious matter as weapons are not allowed on school property. That is a violation of the law. However, please note that at no point during the day were there any issues, concerns, or any indication of an immediate threat to our school. We are working closely with the Hampton Police Division and are following all protocols that are outlined in our Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. I cannot provide details but please know the student is not in school and is being disciplined accordingly.
The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority and we will continue to take the appropriate measures to ensure our schools are safe. We appreciate the partnership with HPD, as well as our students and parents to create and maintain the level of safety that we want for our school. Thank you.
Police said Wilson has been cooperative with investigators.