CHARLOTTE, NC (2-minute read) — A 19-year-old was arrested Thursday for having a loaded gun on the campus of Julius L. Chambers High School.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported receiving an unsubstantiated threat that led to a lockdown at the high school and two other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) around 11:15 a.m. During the search, officers discovered a vehicle containing a 19-year-old male with a loaded rifle. This individual was not connected to the original threat that initiated the lockdown.

The suspect was charged with possession of a firearm on educational property and possession of a firearm with an obliterated or altered serial number. The CMPD emphasized the importance of not bringing firearms onto school grounds, whether in person or in vehicles during school pick-ups.

The CMPD representative stated in a press release, “CMPD strongly urges parents and caretakers – do not bring firearms on campus or have them in your vehicle when you are picking up your child or dependent.”

This incident remains under active investigation as authorities work to ensure the safety and security of the school community.

Safety Tip: Always secure firearms safely and away from school properties to prevent unintended incidents and legal consequences.