A 13-year-old middle school student was taken into custody Wednesday after a school resource officer found an unloaded handgun in the student’s possession on just the second day of classes, officials confirmed.
According to Franklin Middle School principal Brian Schiffer and reporting from CBS Baltimore, the officer searched the student after receiving information that the teen might have marijuana. During the search, the handgun was recovered and the student was arrested.
In a message sent to families, Schiffer emphasized the seriousness of the incident and urged both parents and students to communicate any safety concerns directly to school officials.
“We must work together to ensure our school remains a safe and welcoming environment for all students,” Schiffer wrote. “Please speak with your child(ren) and remind them that harmful choices and disruptive and dangerous behaviors have a significant impact on our entire school community.”
The incident comes amid a sharp rise in juvenile arrests in Maryland. CBS News Baltimore reported a 146% increase in such arrests between 2023 and 2024.
“They go to court and nothing happens to them,” said Jerome, a local resident who chose not to share his last name. “They spend a little time and come back out here and do the same thing over and over.”
Authorities confirmed the student now faces firearm-related charges.
