A 15-year-old student at Great Mills High School in St. Mary’s County was charged Thursday after school administrators reported that the student threatened to stab a teacher and was found with a pocketknife on school property.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office said the school resource officer assigned to Great Mills High School was notified by administrators on May 21, 2026, about the verbal threat. School staff immediately searched the student and located a pocketknife in the student’s pants pocket. The knife was confiscated.
The student was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on school property and disruption of school operations. The juvenile was released to guardians following the incident. No injuries were reported. Due to legal protections, the student’s name is not being released.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that all threats involving school safety are taken seriously and that the agency works closely with St. Mary’s County Public Schools to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Great Mills High School, located in Lexington Park, is one of the largest high schools in St. Mary’s County with more than 1,600 students. The school has a full-time school resource officer as part of a countywide program that places law enforcement officers in every public school to support safety and build positive relationships with students.
Maryland law strictly prohibits weapons on school property. Possession of a dangerous weapon, even a pocketknife, on school grounds can result in criminal charges and potential expulsion under the state’s zero-tolerance policies. St. Mary’s County Public Schools follows a threat assessment protocol that involves administrators, counselors, and law enforcement to evaluate and respond to any reported threats quickly.
This incident comes as schools across Southern Maryland continue to prioritize safety amid national concerns about school violence. St. Mary’s County has invested in enhanced security measures, including school resource officers, threat assessment teams, and regular safety drills. Local officials have stressed the importance of reporting any concerning behavior immediately so that threats can be addressed before they escalate.
The sheriff’s office reminded the community that anyone with information about school safety issues should contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office or school administrators directly. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the sheriff’s office tip line or app.
Great Mills High School remained open and operational following the incident. School officials have not released additional details about the threat or any disciplinary actions beyond the criminal charges.
The case remains active as investigators complete their review.
