A Loaded Gun and Marijuana at Mays High Leads to Two Arrests on Friday

Atlanta Police have confirmed that 2 students were arrested on Friday, April 5th at Mays High School after a gun was found on a student.

Cascade Patch has just been able to confirm rumors that started on Friday that a gun was found on the campus of Mays High School.  According to APD Officer Kim Jones, "we did make an arrest last week of a student inside Benjamin E. Mays High School for being in possession of a loaded handgun inside the school."

On Friday, there were rumors floating across Twitter and Facebook saying that a student had a gun on campus and was showing it off in his backpack.  Raynard Johnson, a community activists, was the first person to share the rumors with Cascade Patch informing us that he spoke to Mays Principal T. Smith on Friday who told him, "the incident is currently under investigation."

On Saturday morning, letters were sent via email to Mays High School parents informing them of the incident.  A parent shared the letter with Cascade Patch:

Dear Raider Parents and Guardians: 

This message is to inform you of an incident that occurred yesterday. I want to make sure that you have accurate information and dispel any rumors you may have heard about the incident.

Two male students were arrested at school on Friday, April 5. One of the students arrested was in possession of a loaded gun. Both students are suspected of smoking marijuana on campus.

Please know that I take this incident seriously. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Our students, parents and staff members deserve a safe school, and we will remain vigilant in eliminating all risks that can compromise safety and security at Mays High School.

I will provide additional information after we return from Spring Break. Thank you for your support and assistance in keeping our campus safe for children.  -- Principal, Dr. Smith

Officer Kim Jones pointed to the school resource officer as being the one responsible for making sure no one was hurt by the weapon on campus.  "A school resource officer located the student inside a restroom with a loaded .22 caliber handgun concealed on him, " said Jones.

Sgt. Gregory Lyon told Cascade Patch that, "multiple charges were filed against the 16 year old male for bringing a firearm to school, including Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Carrying a Weapon at school gathering, and Disrupting a public school."