Teen arrested after bringing AR-15 to basketball game at Millbrook high school in Raleigh
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: A male juvenile suspect was detained at a high school basketball game after an AR-15 was discovered in his possession, according to the police. Police said they responded to a report of a person with a gun at around 8.40 pm on Thursday, February 23, while a basketball game was in progress at Millbrook high school, Raleigh, North Carolina.
After the arrest, the Raleigh Police Department issued a press release that read, "Through investigative means and with the assistance of the Wake County Sheriff's Office and Wake County Public School's Security, the male juvenile suspect was located with an AR-15 in his possession and immediately taken into custody," as reported by ABC.
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Heavy police presence at Millbrook high school
According to authorities, the young suspect is not a student at Millbrook High School. Why he was carrying an AR-15 or his connection to the school is unknown. The case is being pursued through juvenile petitions and a secure custody order, as reported by ABC11.
Authorities have confirmed that there will be more police present at Millbrook High School on Friday. Police said they would provide more information on the incident at the appropriate time while the case is still under investigation.
In the past month, at least ten guns have been seized from local schools, including Millbrook. After the news spread late on Thursday, Millbrook principal Dr Brian Saunders sent a message to parents and students.
'Students and staff are safe'
The statement reads, "I apologize for the late evening message. I want to make you aware of an incident that occurred this evening. Tonight, during our men's basketball game, an attendee at the game was found to be in possession of a firearm. Students and staff are safe."
"Law enforcement received information about the suspect, and responded immediately by quickly locating the suspect. They confirmed that he had an AR-15 in his possession, and removed him from our campus. Their investigation of the incident is ongoing, and we will update you as soon as we have additional information. At this point, we can confirm that the suspect is not a student at Millbrook High School," the principal's statement added.
The statement also mentioned additional security on campus. "Know that we will continue to take every measure to ensure the safety of our students. Out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement will be on campus tomorrow. We also will have Millbrook High School counselors in place on campus to support any students who need assistance," it concluded, as reported by WRAL News.
