Winston Salem, NC - A student at Parkland High School was injured on Tuesday when a bullet fragment struck her leg, leading to a criminal charge against another student, authorities reported.
According to the school Principal's email to students and parents, the injured student initially claimed to have been hit by a small unidentified object during lunch. However, investigators determined that a handgun discharged inside another student's bookbag, with the bullet striking the floor and causing fragments to hit the victim's leg.
While the student sustained minor injuries, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the juvenile responsible for the gun in the backpack faces a felony charge for possession of a weapon on school grounds. Due to the juvenile's age, their identity has not been disclosed.
Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that jeopardize public safety or school environments, stressing community safety as a priority.
Although no gun was visibly brandished during the incident, and there were no direct threats made, Keener assured that disciplinary action would be taken in accordance with the school district’s code of conduct. As a precaution, additional security measures and officer presence will be implemented on campus.
This incident follows a previous altercation involving 17-year-old Parkland High student Aquavios Hickman, who allegedly assaulted a teacher in April. Hickman now faces charges as an adult, including second-degree kidnapping and assault on a government official, following an indictment by a grand jury. He has since been released on bond.