Gun confiscated from student at Hoggard High School

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A student from Hoggard High School in Wilmington is facing charges after the school resource officer found a firearm on the student Wednesday afternoon.

According to a news release from New Hanover County Schools, staff at Hoggard learned during dismissal about a student having a weapon. The staff notified the resource officer from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, who confronted the student. Sheriff’s investigators say the student ran from the officer and was later captured and taken into custody behind Long Leaf Mall, which is across Shipyard Boulevard from the Hoggard High campus.

The 16-year-old student is charged with possession of a gun on educational property, carrying a concealed weapon, resist, obstruct and delay of a law enforcement officer, and possession of a stolen firearm. Investigators say the gun involved is reported as being stolen.

“The safety and well-being of everyone in our schools is always our highest priority,’ Interim Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes said in an emailed news release. “We are deeply committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment where students can focus on learning. Weapons and violence that put our students and staff at risk cannot be tolerated. Weapons, Violence, or other disruptions to the educational opportunities of our students will not be tolerated and those involved will be removed and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Neither the school system nor the sheriff’s office is identifying the student involved in the incident since the student is under the age of 18.

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