A 16-year-old Walt Whitman High School student has been charged with possessing a loaded handgun at school, according to Montgomery County Police. The Bethesda resident has been charged as an adult.
Police Community Engagement Officers responded to a call Wednesday at 12:12 p.m. at Westfield Montgomery Mall for a report of a fight involving a group of teenagers from two separate high schools.
According to police, one of the teens allegedly displayed a handgun to the individuals in the other group.
Following an on-scene investigation, officers identified the person with the gun as a Whitman High student. Officers then contacted the school’s principal and security staff.
School security located the student and removed him from class and took him to a secure room, according to police. He was searched, and police said the student had a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun with an obliterated serial number in his backpack, along with a magazine.
He is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on school property, possession of a firearm by a minor, illegal possession of ammunition, carrying a handgun on person, possession of firearm with serial number obliterated, illegal possession of a regulated firearm and loaded handgun on person.
MCM is not naming the student as he is a minor.
