FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Follow the latest: Extra law enforcement at Parkland High School on Wednesday after gun goes off in student's backpack.
A gun went off at Parkland High School, injuring a student during lunch, Forsyth County deputies and Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County School officials said.
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said a student is facing a firearm charge after having a gun on school property. Officials said the gun went off as a misfire in a backpack, striking another student in the leg, and they suffered minor injuries from shrapnel as a result.
The student has been charged with a felonious weapon on educational property, and possible additional charges are pending.
“The Office of the People and the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office will continue to have zero tolerance for any activity or incident that threatens the safety, functionality, or the process of learning in our schools. We will approach it as a threat to our community. May God continue to give us a hedge of protection.” – Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr. No further information will be released at this time as this is still an ongoing investigation. As always, anyone with information related to criminal activity should contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office directly at 336-727-2112.
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The school sent the following message to parents:
Good evening, Parkland High School students and parents this is Noel Keener, principal at Parkland High School. I am calling to inform you that earlier today a student reported to us they were struck in the leg by a small unknown object during lunch. While the student did not have severe injuries, our administrative team immediately began an investigation and was unable to identify what may have caused the injury. As the investigation evolved this afternoon it was determined that the student had been hit with shrapnel from a bullet. Investigators believe a handgun went off in another student’s bookbag, the bullet hit the floor and pieces of it are what hit the student’s leg.
It is important to note that at no time was a weapon ever displayed, and no threats were ever made to any student or staff member. A gunshot was never reported.
The student with the weapon in their bag has been identified and our partners at the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office are seeking charges against the student for having a weapon on school property. The student will be disciplined according to the District’s Code of Character, Conduct, and Support.
In the coming days students will see extra security measures and officers around campus out of an abundance of caution. Please know we take these matters seriously and always appreciate students, parents, and staff letting us know about anything that concerns them.