HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A student at Godwin High School was arrested Thursday after bringing a gun onto school property two days in a row.
Henrico Police said they were notified about the incident around 10 a.m. on Thursday.
"Staff saw the student on the school grounds, arriving late when the weapon was recovered," police said.
The school's resource officer and administration had detained the teenage boy, officials said.
Police said a handgun and ammunition were recovered from his belongings.
Godwin High School Principal Leigh Dunavant said the student faces criminal charges and disciplinary action at the school.
Police said the teen will be transported to the Henrico County Juvenile Detention Home and is charged with possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a concealed weapon, underage possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana on school property.
Officials said they were alerted to the possibility of a gun on the campus from a fellow student.
"Some courageous students reported that they had seen something suspicious and believed a student may have a gun on campus," Henrico County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell said. "The student was taken into custody by law enforcement."
Police said that while the report was made Thursday morning, the student said that the suspect had brandished a gun on campus on Wednesday.
But school officials said there were no known threats made to any person or the school community by the suspect.
School was placed on 'Lock and teach'
Even though the student never made a threat against the school or anyone at the school, Godwin High School Principal Leigh Dunavant said the building went under a "lock and teach" for a period of time.
"Lock and teach" means the campus was under restricted movement outside of the classroom, but instruction continued and classroom doors were locked.
"This restricts movement and keeps folks inside their classrooms, but would be used when there's not an imminent threat in the building. But there's a reason to restrict the movement," Cashwell explained.
The superintendent said parents were kept informed throughout the morning via updates from the school's principal. The first news of the lock and teach happened at 9:35, followed by another 30 minutes later saying it had been lifted. Then informing the students about the gun at 10:50 a.m.
Cashwell said she understands these types of situations can be unnerving for parents and they aim to be timely and transparent with their communications.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure we fulfill that responsibility and sometimes it may take longer to get specific information, but we feel like it's important even to put out the basic information when we have it so that families are always up to date," Cashwell said.
Parent Dishant Shaw said the school's updates on the situation were "appropriate."
"And it was enough for me to feel that things were taken care of and under control," Shaw said.
Joanne Berdi, a grandparent of two students, called the situation "horrible."
"And I'm just glad that they're right on it and they got him," Berdi said. "That's all that matters."
Dunavant sent the following statement in an email to students' families and guardians:
"I am grateful to the students who courageously reported this to us this morning. I am committed to keeping an open line of communication with families about the safety and health of our school community. When an incident occurs, I will promptly notify you. If you become aware of a concern or potential problem at school, please always call the office to report it. Together, we can help ensure Godwin High School is a safe place for our students and staff."
Henrico Police urged parents and guardians to safely secure firearms and make sure they are accounted for.
