WINDER, Ga. – A 14-year-old student was arrested on Wednesday after bringing a firearm to Apalachee High School, the site of a tragic shooting last September that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students while injuring others.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office reported that the school resource officers apprehended the student “without incident” on Wednesday afternoon. Located in Winder, approximately 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, the high school remains under heightened security. Officials confirmed that the student cooperated with law enforcement and made no threats toward others.
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Details of the Arrest
The unnamed student, due to his age, was transported to a juvenile detention center in Gainesville. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of possessing a weapon on school grounds,
- Theft, and
- Being a minor in possession of a firearm.
Authorities have not disclosed the type of weapon confiscated or the specifics surrounding the arrest, which occurred shortly after 2 p.m. Classes at the school, which serves nearly 2,000 students, were canceled on Thursday following the incident.
September Shooting and Ongoing Challenges
The arrest comes just months after a deadly September 4 shooting at the school. The attack resulted in the deaths of teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, along with students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Additionally, eight others were injured, seven of whom were struck by gunfire.
Colt Gray, then 14, was charged as an adult in the case and faces 55 counts, including murder and 25 counts of aggravated assault. His father, Colin Gray, was charged with 29 counts, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, as prosecutors allege he provided access to firearms despite warnings. Both have pleaded not guilty.
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Community and Security Efforts
In response to ongoing concerns, Barrow County school officials canceled Thursday classes and extracurricular activities. An open house to showcase new portable classrooms replacing the closed-off hallway from the September shooting was also postponed.
On Tuesday, parents, teachers, and students voiced concerns at a Barrow County school board meeting, urging the district to adopt stronger security measures. Suggestions included:
- Increasing school resource officers,
- Requiring clear backpacks, and
- Implementing an AI-powered gun detection system.
Superintendent Dallas LeDuff assured attendees that the district is actively evaluating security recommendations. “It has been a very intentional process,” LeDuff stated. “I think I am proud of the work our staff has done.”
