Student taken into custody after loaded firearm found at Smithfield HS, deputies say

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) — A student at Smithfield High School was taken into custody Monday morning after a loaded firearm was found in a backpack.

According to officials with the school, the high school’s weapon detection system went off as a student was entering the school on Monday. After an investigation, a loaded firearm was found in the student’s backpack.

“We did have a student who attempted to enter the school with a firearm. It was loaded, and as he came through our weapons detection system, it gave off an alert of an unapproved item,” said Isle of Wight County Public Schools Security and Emergency Management Supervisor Jason Brinkley.

“At that point his belongings were checked and the staff member at that point found the loaded firearm in the backpack.” 

10 On Your Side’s Andy Fox talked to Brinkley who said the student was not combative, but was trying to get the firearm back.

“At that point he was not combative. He was trying to get the item back. He was not combative with staff, and he was quickly detained and separated from other students, Brinkley added. 

Deputies from the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office said the student is currently in custody and is facing disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

As a result of the incident, both the middle and high school were put on temporary lockdown. Both schools have since reopened and there is no current threat to students or staff, according to the school.

A statement from the school can be found below:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This morning, as a student was entering Smithfield High School, our weapons detection system alerted staff to a potential threat. Upon investigation, a loaded firearm was discovered in the student’s backpack. Thanks to the security measures in place, the weapon was identified immediately, and the student was stopped before entering the school building.

Both Smithfield High School and Smithfield Middle School were placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution while law enforcement and school officials addressed the situation. The lockdown was lifted around 8:30. The student involved will be arrested for bringing a firearm onto school property.

We want to assure you that the safety and security of our students and staff are always our top priority. The successful detection and swift response this morning are clear indications that our safety protocols are working as intended. At this time, the building is secure, and there is no ongoing threat to students or staff.

We are extremely grateful for the quick response and support of the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office and the Smithfield High School team, whose actions helped prevent this situation from escalating further.

We will continue to keep you informed and thank you for your trust as we work each day to provide a safe learning environment for all students.

Isle of Wight County Schools

Veronica Dance, a parent at Smithfield High, says she’s happy the school acted so fast and is very grateful.

“I’m very grateful, and they were in line right behind the student when the security alarm went off. So, they were right there. So, the fact that they were protected when danger was so close made me feel very proud. I’m a very proud parent.”