COLUMBIA, Md. — A 15-year-old student was arrested Thursday morning for allegedly bringing a gun to Hammond High School in Columbia.
Howard County Police told WMAR-2 News that a fellow student witnessed the teen with the weapon on the bus Wednesday, and alerted school administrators the next day.
"A student reported to the administration/school resource officer (SRO) at Hammond High School that they observed another student in possession of a gun," said Howard County Police Spokesperson Seth Hoffman. "The SRO located the student at the school and recovered an unloaded handgun."
The gun was discovered in the student's backpack with no ammunition. Detectives do not believe the student made any specific threats leading up to his arrest.
"We believe that he may have just wanted to be showing it off," Hoffman said. "Of course, bringing a gun onto school property is very concerning. So we're thankful that the student who did see it said something to administrators exactly what the student should have done."
Howard County student witnesses fellow student with gun on school bus, leading to arrest
The teen now faces multiple weapons violations.
Investigators are working to determine where the gun came from.
Meanwhile, Howard County Public Schools issued an alert to parents following the incident.
"School safety is our utmost priority, and the members of the administrative team and security staff will continue to be vigilant in maintaining the safety of Hammond High School," the alert reads. "Please know that we take all reports of threats seriously and will continue to work cooperatively with public safety and other agencies to ensure the safety of our students and staff."
Currently Hammond High School is in session for summer programming.
