CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gunshots were fired outside West Charlotte High School Monday during a fight over a backpack, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
A few minutes after 2 p.m, CMPD said the shots were fired as two students were fighting over a backpack. The fight happened on the school campus but not inside any school buildings.
While no one was shot, Medic did treat one person for minor injuries, CMPD later said. It was not known if the person injured was involved in the altercation.
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said a student pulled out a gun and fired at least one shot. That student was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds, CMPD said in a tweet Monday evening.
"Today's incident is yet another example of issues that originate in our community that make their way onto our campuses and it is unacceptable," CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston said.
Winston thanked CMPD for its swift response to the school and repeated previous comments that CMS is doing everything it can to reduce violent incidents across the district.
"It is unacceptable to have a weapon of any kind find its way onto any school campus," Winston said. "And as a community, we have to have a call to action to say no more. This is unacceptable, we will not allow this to happen."
Parents who spoke to WCNC Charlotte Monday expressed frustration over school safety.
"Metal detectors have not been placed in the schools. They don't have the wands yet they said they're going to put in the schools," Kendra Cherry told WCNC Charlotte's Brandon Goldner after picking up her daughter Monday. "When are they going to fix this and not just talk about it?"
Other parents believe the change starts at home by beginning to communicate with your student and staying in the know about what's going on in their worlds.
“You need to talk to them. You can’t just check out because it's just so many things going on," parent Colette Forrest said. “I check his bookbag, I check his room. I trust my son, but we live in a society were peer pressure is a beast and there are so many influencers.”
So far this school year, 23 guns have been found at CMS schools, including 8 previously confiscated at West Charlotte High School.
Winston said his school safety workgroup is considering using metal detectors and wands.
“CMS students are safe in our schools, and I will say that unequivocally," Winston said. "As a parent of two CMS students, if I did not feel our schools were safe, then I might make a different choice."
One previous recommendation, the ordering of clear backpacks for students, is expected in early 2022 after a fulfillment shortage delayed the initiative.
On Monday evening, West Charlotte High School announced Tuesday will be fully remote.
Jennings said Crime Stoppers is also raising the cash reward for any information that leads to the confiscation of a gun on a school campus. That reward will now be $500.
If anyone observes suspicious activity or persons, CMPD asks them to call 911 immediately. Students can also provide anonymous information to their School Resource Officer or other school officials. Information can also be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.
Officials said Monday they are also working on an app that will allow tips to be submitted from phones.
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