GREAT MILLS — Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to Great Mills High School on June 5, 2026, after a report that a student had been threatened by another student armed with a knife.
According to the preliminary investigation, the victim was confronted by the 16-year-old suspect in a restroom. The victim left the area and notified school administration. The suspect was located and detained, and a fixed-blade knife was recovered. No injuries were reported.
The suspect is being charged as an adult with first- and second-degree assault, attempted armed robbery and possession of a weapon on school property. Due to legal protections, juveniles are not publicly identified by law enforcement.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office officials stated that all threats involving school safety are taken seriously. The office continues to work closely with St. Mary’s County Public Schools to maintain a safe learning environment.
School officials reported that the incident occurred around 1 p.m. and that the investigation is ongoing. Great Mills High School administration and safety personnel are cooperating fully with law enforcement. Principal Dothard sent a letter to families of Great Mills High School students informing them of the incident and summarizing available supports for students.
The sheriff’s office has issued alerts and updates on its social media sites. Families and community members can find links to those updates on the office’s media page.
School safety remains a priority in St. Mary’s County. Incidents like this prompt coordinated responses between law enforcement and school districts to assess threats and provide support. St. Mary’s County Public Schools maintain protocols for reporting and responding to safety concerns, including access to counseling and other resources for affected students.
The investigation continues, and additional details may be released as they become available.
