For Immediate Release: August 27, 2024

HCSO Responds to Incident at Howard High School, Firearm Recovered and Student Arrested

Hamilton County, TN – On August 27, 2024, at approximately 2:00 PM, Howard School Administrators were made aware of a social media post from a student where a handgun was visibly tucked in a student's waistband while they appeared to be on school property.

The student was removed from class, and upon search, the HCSO School Resource Deputy and School Resource Officer assigned to the school located a loaded 9mm handgun on the student. The magazine was loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition and had one chambered round.

Upon further investigation, it was determined the handgun was reported stolen last month in Chattanooga.

The student was placed into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center without further incident.

The student is being charged with:

- Carrying a Weapon on School Property

- Unlawful Carry or Possession of a Weapon

- Possession of a Stolen Firearm

There is no threat to any of the students or faculty of the school at this time.

The prompt notification from responsible parties prevented this potentially dangerous situation from continuing.

As this incident pertains to juveniles, no further information is available.