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Hampton police find several firearms in car during Bethel High School basketball game

This is an ongoing investigation in partnership with Hampton City Schools.

HAMPTON, Va. — The Hampton Police Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding several firearms being discovered on Bethel High School property Friday evening.

According to a news release and a message sent to families from Bethel High Principal Ralph Saunders, Hampton police officers working a basketball game received a tip around 8:30 p.m. from someone who saw someone put a firearm into a car in the school's parking lot.

The officers investigated and found the firearm in plain view, police said. They made contact with the car's owner, who consented to a search, and several more firearms were found inside.

"This is certainly a serious matter as weapons are not allowed on school property. That is a violation of the law," Saunders said in the message. 

"However, please note that at no point during the basketball game were there any issues, concerns, or any indication of an immediate threat to the individuals playing or attending the game."

Saunders said that the school's weapons detection units were in place and being used at the game and that school administration, school security and Hampton police officers were all supervising the event.

Willie Mae Smith raises her children in Hampton Roads and her grandchildren go to school within the Hampton City Schools Division. She said she constantly worries about her family, especially when she hears about these types of incidents on school property.

"Laying around in the cars like that because it could be somebody who walks by with that mentality who could break in and do whatever. You know?" Smith said. "There's just too many things that can happen like that."

Smith said she's glad police officers responded quickly but is disappointed with the action overall by the person responsible, saying, "It was reckless, and it should be dealt with."

Police are not releasing any names related to this investigation, which is ongoing in partnership with Hampton City Schools. 

Detectives are also not stating if they arrested anyone for having weapons on school property. Having a firearm on school property is considered a Class 6 felony in Virginia.

If you know any information that can help investigators, call the Hampton Police Division at 757-727-6111 or the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP. 

You can also remain anonymous and submit an online tip by clicking here. 

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