13-Year-Old Student Arrested on Suspicion of Bringing Gun to Maryland Middle School By Christina Coulter

A 13-year-old middle school student was arrested Wednesday after a school resource officer discovered an unloaded handgun in their possession on just the second day of the new school year, authorities said.

The officer conducted the search after receiving information that the student might possess marijuana, per a statement issued by Franklin Middle School principal Brian Schiffer and reporting by CBS Baltimore. The handgun was recovered, and the student was taken into custody.

Schiffer addressed the incident in a message to families, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and urging students and parents to report any safety concerns to school officials.

“We must work together to ensure our school remains a safe and welcoming environment for all students,” he wrote in the statement. “Please speak with your child(ren) and remind them that harmful choices and disruptive and dangerous behaviors have a significant impact on our entire school community.”

This comes as juvenile arrests have risen sharply in Maryland, according to CBS News Baltimore, which reported a 146% increase between 2023 and 2024.

“They go to court and nothing happens to them,” Jerome, a neighbor who declined to share his last name, told the outlet. “They spend a little time and come back out here and do the same thing over and over.” 

The student now faces firearm-related charges, per the outlet.