Firearm found in Cape High student’s backpack
A firearm was found in the backpack of a 17-year-old Cape Henlopen High School student Jan. 17, Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman said in a release to district families.
The message, sent at 1:30 p.m., Jan. 17, stated that high school administrators, the constable and school resource officer were alerted to a student possibly in possession of a firearm at Cape High.
About 12:25 p.m., the school resource officer was notified by staff that a student may have a firearm in their possession, Delaware State Police said in a press release. Further investigation and a search of the teen’s backpack led to the discovery of a loaded 9 mm handgun. The teen was taken into custody without incident. No students or staff were harmed.
The teen was transported to Troop 7 and charged with felony carrying a concealed firearm and felony possession of a firearm in a safe school zone. The teen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond.
After the district initially stated that all extracurricular activities would go on as planned, Cape High Principal Kristin DeGregory notified families via an email and automated phone call that afterschool activities at the high school were canceled because the incident was extremely concerning to staff, students and the entire Cape Henlopen School District community.
“Our administrative team and the Delaware State Police are focusing their efforts on investigating the incident and are working together to better understand what occurred and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future,” DeGregory said. “For these reasons, we feel it is best to postpone all of tonight’s evening activities at Cape Henlopen High School.”
