Sheriff: Student coming forward about spotting a gun at Ashe County Middle made a difference

In a social media post addressing families, Ashe County, North Carolina Sheriff B. Phil Howell said officers recovered a gun after it was spotted by a student at the county Middle School in Warrensville.

Howell’s statement said, “…the weapon was quickly located and secured, and the student involved was identified without delay.”

There was never a threat to a faculty member or student during the incident and the response by school administrators was immediate, according to the Sheriff. Ashe County Schools Superintendent Eisa Cox sent a blackboard call and email to all middle school families at 12:30 Friday afternoon notifying them of the situation.

Howell said he was proud of the student and their willingness to come forward while their action, although difficult, made a real difference.

No further information will be released until developments are made and Howell said appropriate disciplinary and legal actions were being taken in accordance with school district policy and North Carolina law.

(IMAGE: Property of Ashe County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office / Official Facebook)