SPD: Student charged after gun found at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Nansemond-Suffolk Academy student was charged after a gun was found inside the school Monday.

Suffolk Police initially said when it got to the school on Pruden Boulevard, officers found a firearm in a bag inside a student’s locker. However, in an update Wednesday, Suffolk Police said that school staff provided officers with the reported firearm, as the staff had already gotten possession of it before Suffolk Police arrived.

The student was then taken into custody and has been charged with possession of a weapon on school property.

During the search for the firearm, the school was placed under a temporary lockdown.

The school said there was no ongoing threat to any staff or students.

Mike Barclay, head of school, released a statement on the lockdown, which can be read in part below:

Dear NSA Families,

This morning, the Main Campus was placed in a brief lockdown after a report was made that a student had a firearm on campus. Following our emergency protocols, the student was quickly isolated, and the Suffolk Police Department was called to respond. The student is now in custody and will not be returning to NSA.

At this time, there is no ongoing threat, and students are not in any danger. The school will continue to operate as scheduled this afternoon. We understand that an incident like this can be deeply upsetting for students and families. Please know that our counselors are available to provide support to any student who may need assistance processing this event. If your student would benefit from speaking with someone, please contact one of the [school’s counselors] or your student’s division head.

— Mike Barclay

No injuries were reported during the incident.

Police said the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Suffolk Police Department at 757-923-2350 or the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.