LA PLATA — A 15-year-old student at St. Charles High School in Charles County was taken into custody Wednesday after school administrators and a school resource officer recovered a loaded semi-automatic firearm from the teenager during a search on campus.
Authorities said school officials received information on April 29 that the student might have a firearm. As the school resource officer, with an administrator present, began the search, the student attempted to push past the administrator and flee. The officer quickly apprehended the youth. A loaded Polymer 9mm handgun with no serial number — commonly known as a “ghost gun” — was recovered from the student’s waistband.
The student was also found in possession of a vape containing THC. In accordance with Maryland law, the Charles County Department of Juvenile Services was notified. The juvenile faces charges including possession of a dangerous weapon on school property, minor in possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of cannabis, and other related offenses.
Investigators are working to determine how the student obtained the firearm and why it was brought to school. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Watkins at 301-609-3282 ext. 0721.
The incident occurred at St. Charles High School in Waldorf, part of the Charles County Public Schools system serving Southern Maryland families. School officials have not released additional details about the student or any potential threats to the broader school community. No injuries were reported.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office policy requires school resource officers to respond immediately to reports of weapons on campus. The recovery of an unserialized ghost gun highlights ongoing concerns about illegal firearms reaching juveniles in the region. Maryland law prohibits minors from possessing handguns and bans unserialized firearms under state ghost gun regulations.
Local education and law enforcement leaders have emphasized zero-tolerance policies for weapons in schools. Charles County Public Schools maintains strict protocols for searches when there is reasonable suspicion of a threat to student safety. The presence of a school resource officer at St. Charles High School enabled a swift response that prevented the situation from escalating.
The THC vape adds a layer of substance-related charges common in juvenile cases involving multiple violations. Maryland treats possession of cannabis by minors as a civil or criminal offense, depending on circumstances, with additional penalties when combined with weapons charges.
Southern Maryland communities, including those in Charles County, have seen increased attention on school safety in recent years amid national trends involving youth and firearms. Parents and residents often express concern over how juveniles access guns, particularly untraceable models assembled from parts.
The investigation remains active as authorities seek to identify any sources or accomplices. Charles County Department of Juvenile Services will handle the case through the juvenile justice system, which focuses on rehabilitation while holding youth accountable for serious offenses.
School administrators have not issued a public statement beyond confirming the incident was contained. Classes at St. Charles High School continued without interruption following the arrest. Officials typically notify families through automated systems when safety incidents occur on campus.
This case underscores the collaborative role of school staff, resource officers, and juvenile services in addressing threats promptly. Charles County maintains one of the strongest school safety partnerships in Southern Maryland, with dedicated SROs in each high school.
Further updates will depend on the ongoing investigation and any court proceedings in juvenile court. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity involving weapons or drugs in schools to prevent potential tragedies.
