GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A young man who school authorities said was possibly armed is now in custody after he was spotted near a Gastonia school playground Friday.
The incident happened around 11:40 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at Victory Christian Academy located along Carolina Avenue in Gastonia.
School officials told Queen City News that the young man, who appeared to have a weapon, was spotted by students who were outside walking up and down the road next to their playground.
“We immediately went into lockdown mode according to our protocol and notified authorities. They responded quickly and had the suspect in custody within minutes without incident and were given the all-clear status,” Principal Kim Franklin explained.
The students alerted officials and the school immediately went into lockdown. Within 15 minutes, officers found the person matching the description and the juvenile suspect was taken into custody, officials said.
“I am very proud of my faculty, staff, and students who followed protocol and prevented anyone from being hurt. We are very appreciative of Gastonia law enforcement and all they do to keep us safe every day,” Franklin said on Friday.
QCN has reached out to Gastonia authorities for further information on this incident.
