Weapons detection system alerts staff to loaded handgun at Joppatowne High School

A 15-year-old Harford County student was arrested after the sheriff’s office said the district’s weapons detection system alerted staff to a loaded handgun at Joppatowne High School, where a student shot and killed a classmate just over two years ago.

The freshman was taken into custody Thursday after a School Safety Liaison (SSL) alerted school officials that he may have had a weapon.

The school’s weapons detection system alerted staff to the possible presence of a weapon, and an SSL immediately searched the teenager’s belongings. A loaded handgun was found concealed inside, and a school resource officer who was on scene detained the student.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office said the combination of partnerships, training and technology led to a safe outcome.

The $1.1 million weapons detection system scans students as they enter the school each day.

A statement from Harford County Public Schools sent to parents read, in part, “The weapons detection system did what it is meant to do. Our students and staff followed established protocols, and we thank our HCPS safety and security team, Joppatowne High staff, as well as law enforcement partners for their quick response.”

Read more: WBAL