CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools are investigating after a "large fight" occurred in the parking lot of West Mecklenburg High School Wednesday.
Around 12:50 p.m., CMPD officers responded to the school because of a "large fight that took place in the parking lot," according to a police spokesperson.
"During the altercation, there was a report of someone possibly having a gun," the spokesperson said. "No firearms were located."
The school and nearby schools, including Tuckaseegee Elementary School, were put on lockdown for precautionary measurements while CMS Police and CMPD investigated Wednesday afternoon.
The schools are located along Tuckaseegee Road just north of Interstate 85 and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Investigators are still at the school inquiring into the cause of the fight. They are working to determine who was involved, the spokesperson explained.
CMPD confirmed to WCNC Charlotte that "two juvenile students were found in possession of knives. The knives were confiscated, and the juveniles were charged. One additional juvenile was arrested for assault."
No one was injured, according to authorities.
CMS sent out the following message to parents:
Good afternoon, West Meck families,
This is Principal Bundrick with an important message. Today, we placed the school on lockdown due to fights and rumors of a gun on campus. The safety and security of our students and staff are of paramount importance and today's actions were necessary to ensure that safety. No gun was found during a search by law enforcement. This behavior is not appropriate and will not be tolerated. Any students found to be involved in today's incidents will be disciplined in accordance to the CMS Code of Student Conduct.
Earlier this month, six students at Hopewell High School in Huntersville were arrested following a fight that led to the confiscation of two guns.
The incident was one of several incidents since August where guns were found at Charlotte metro schools:
So far, this school year, there have been 15 guns recovered on CMS properties. Community members are calling for change -- both from within the district and outside of the classrooms.
Alternatives to violence: Drills of Hope Marching Thunder
Instead of drugs, alcohol and violence the Drills of Hope Marching Thunder hope to promote bass, rhythm and dance as a substitute to keep kids safe and out of trouble.
For the past 26 years this has been the Drills of Hope mission and creators Anthony and Robin Woods say they have seen firsthand the positive difference they can make.
“We cherish what we do for the young people," Anthony said. “They don’t have to be out in the street, doing wrong and getting in trouble.”
The marching band is open to any and everyone and to join is absolutely free with the support of community donations.
"We will find something for everyone to do," Robin said. "At one point we had up to 150 members from 3 years old all the way up.”
Many of the band members like Ricky Osbourne have been involved for years and hope to get even more young people in the mix and out of trouble too.
“It's like a brotherhood," Osbourne said. "Hey man somebody is here that’s been through what you’re going through. We’ve progressed, we’ve made it so it’s possible.”
The group practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at West Charlotte Recreation Center.