A 15-year-old student was arrested after a loaded handgun was found in his belongings at Joppatowne High School, according to a Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center report citing the Harford County Sheriff's Office and Harford County Public Schools.
The report said a School Safety Liaison alerted school officials Thursday that the freshman might have a weapon. The school's weapons detection system then signaled the possible presence of a weapon, and a safety liaison searched the student's belongings. A loaded handgun was found concealed inside, and a school resource officer detained the teenager.
The incident drew particular attention because Joppatowne High School was the site of a fatal student shooting just over two years ago. Harford County has since invested in additional security measures, including the weapons detection system used at the school.
Harford County Public Schools said the detection system and established safety protocols worked as intended. The district credited school staff, its safety and security team and law-enforcement partners for the response.
The public report did not identify the student because of his age and did not provide a detailed account of how the firearm was obtained or why it was brought to school. Those questions may be addressed through the juvenile justice process or future statements from investigators.
Parents and students should continue to follow official Harford County Public Schools communications for any changes to security procedures. The American Desk will update this report if authorities release additional verified details.