Parents, police credit weapons detectors after 12-year-old brings loaded gun to Henrico middle school

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Both parents and police are grateful for Fairfield Middle School's weapons detectors after they alerted staff to a loaded gun in a 12-year-old student's backpack on Wednesday.

According to Henrico Police, the school’s weapons detection system alerted officials around 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, after detecting the gun in the student’s backpack. Staff immediately confiscated the gun and the student was taken into custody.

Neighbors and parents told 8News they were alarmed by the situation.

“It’s just uncalled for -- it doesn’t make sense to me,” said Latesha Thornton, who lives nearby.

“There should be a check at home for backpacks before you even go out to school,” added Raymond Whitaker, a local grandparent.

Fairfield Middle School's principal, Gena Jones, sent a message to families after the incident. She thanked staff and credited the weapons detection system for preventing a potential tragedy.

"I'm grateful for the staff and safety measures we have in place that reflect our shared commitment to keeping everyone safe," Jones wrote. "I also want to thank HPD for their support and assistance with this matter."

The Henrico County Police Division said the school's weapons detection system has been in place since 2023 and this is the first time it has detected a gun.

Henrico Police Chief Eric English said he's relieved the safety measures worked.

"We thank God that system was in place, because we don't know the intent or what could have could have happened if that weapon had not been detected," he said.

Neighbors echoed that sentiment.

"That's the best thing they did -- they stopped the student," Thornton said. "The metal detector is very important in these schools."

The school day continued as normal and no one was injured.

The 12-year-old was taken to the Henrico County Juvenile Detention Home. The student is charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

English said investigators are now focused on figuring out how the child got access to a gun.

“It’s still a lot of investigation to do," English said. "'How did that person acquire the weapon?' 'Where did they get it from?'”

Police said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

"When we find out -- particularly if it's from a parent or a guardian ... we want to make sure that parents understand that weapon safety is extremely important," English said.

Henrico Police are reminding gun owners to keep their weapons locked up and out of children's reach. Fairfield Middle School is also encouraging parents and guardians to remind students about the importance of reporting anything suspicious to school staff.