Search Warrants result in additional 6 firearms recovered
UPDATE 5/1/2026: Update on recovered firearms investigations at St. Charles High School: On April 30th, 2026, members of the sheriff’s office served search warrants at the residences of two students involved in two ongoing firearms investigations stemming from St. Charles High School.
In the first case, on April 29, the school resource officer recovered a firearm at the school and subsequently obtained and served a search warrant at the student’s home.
During that search, investigators recovered a 3D printer believed to have been used in the production of the polymer-style firearm that was recovered. The device was seized as evidence and will be further examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
In the second case on April 30, a fully automatic handgun was recovered from a different student’s locker. Investigators served a search warrant at the residence of the student.
During that search, officers recovered six additional firearms, along with ammunition, magazines, and various firearm accessories. Four of the firearms, along with all recovered ammunition, were located inside the juvenile’s bedroom.
An investigation is ongoing to determine how the juvenile obtained the firearms. All of the firearms were found unsecured. Investigators also noted that the serial number on one of the firearms was partially obliterated.
All evidence was collected and processed, and the investigation remains active. This case will be forwarded to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review to determine the appropriate charges
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with school officials and partner agencies as these investigations move forward.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff. Anyone with information about these cases or who has knowledge of any weapons in schools may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.
UPDATE 4/30/2026: On April 30, a school administrator at St. Charles High School observed a student behaving suspiciously and holding a book bag in a manner that appeared unusual. After the student placed the book bag into a locker, the administrator conducted a search of the locker. That search led to the recovery of a fully loaded firearm. The student, age 15, did not display the weapon. The firearm was secured, and the School Resource Officer (SRO) arrested the student on scene.
The weapon in this case is described as a polymer handgun equipped with a switch capable of converting it to function as a machine gun, and it was loaded with a 30-round magazine. This case follows a separate case on April 29, in which another loaded firearm was recovered from inside the school and a 15-year-old student was arrested.
In response to the incidents, Charles County Public Schools dismissed students for the day. Detectives from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, along with SROs, and Charles County Public Schools administrators are working in close coordination as the investigation continues. K9 gun detection teams from the CCSO, with assistance from other agencies, completed a comprehensive sweep of the school. No additional firearms were located.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
Anyone with information about these cases or who has knowledge of any weapons in schools may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Additional details will be released when available.
The investigation is ongoing.
4/29/2026: On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, school administrators and the school resource officer (SRO) at St. Charles High School were made aware of a student, age 15, who was possibly in possession of a firearm.
As the SRO, with a school administrator present, began a search of the student, the student attempted to push past the administrator and flee. The SRO was able to quickly apprehend the student and with the assistance of the administrator, a loaded semi-automatic firearm was recovered from the student’s waistband.
The firearm is a Polymer 9mm with no serial number, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” The student was also in possession of a vape containing THC.
In accordance with MD law, the Charles County Department of Juvenile Services was contacted.
The student will be charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on school property, minor in possession of a firearm, possession of cannabis, and other related charges.
An investigation is underway to determine why the student had possession of the firearm and how he obtained it.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact PFC Watkins at 301-609-3282 ext. 0721
