LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A 15-year-old is facing charges after the student allegedly brought a loaded handgun to a Lexington high school.
Fayette County Public Schools Police Chief Martin Schafer says during the first period at Henry Clay High School, officers learned that a student may have a weapon on campus. The school was placed on lockdown at around 9:18 a.m., police say, while they investigated the incident. Schafer says officers located the student and found a loaded handgun on him.
The 15-year-old was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property. Officials say they believe the student didn't intend to use the gun. Police say they have not found any credible evidence that threats were ever made against students, staff, or campus.
Pick up lines to get to Henry Clay HS are a mile long following the lockdown situation and student dismissal. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/s1GZyr0d2Y
— Michael Berk (@LEX18_Michael) October 27, 2022
Police are still investigating how the weapon got into the building.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins sent the following email to families:
As you may be aware, the Henry Clay High School campus was placed on a lockdown this morning due to a report that a student brought a weapon to school.
In accordance with our normal procedures, school administrators and the Fayette County Public Schools Police Department immediately began investigating. To reduce movement of students and staff in the building, the school was placed on lockdown. A lockdown means students and staff are not permitted to leave their classrooms, nor is anyone allowed to enter or exit into the building. Reducing movement around the building also helps law enforcement conduct an investigation in a quick and orderly manner.
During the investigation a loaded weapon was located in a student’s possession and immediately secured by law enforcement. No students or staff were harmed and the campus was not evacuated. The lockdown was lifted once law enforcement ensured the safety of the HCHS campus. While multiple students were interviewed as part of the investigation, only one arrest was made. The student was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property. Police have found no credible evidence that any threats were made against Henry Clay High School.
We are so thankful to the student who reported this concern allowing our staff and police officers to immediately respond and ensure the safety of our campus. It is critical that anytime a student sees something unusual or concerning, they immediately say something to an adult in the building. Additionally, please remind students that anonymous reports can be made through the STOP Tipline, which is linked on all school websites.
We are also thankful for our FCPS Police Department, as well as partnerships with the Lexington Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who provided support today.
Thank you for your continued support,
Dr. Demetrus Liggins
