Weapons detection system alerts staff to loaded handgun at Joppatowne High School
By Ashley Paul, Bryan Lynn, Adam Thompson
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JOPPATOWNE, Maryland (WJZ) — A 15-year-old Harford County student was arrested after the sheriff’s office said the district’s weapons detection system alerted staff to a loaded handgun at Joppatowne High School, where a student shot and killed a classmate just over two years ago.
The freshman was taken into custody Thursday after a School Safety Liaison (SSL) alerted school officials that he may have had a weapon.
The school’s weapons detection system alerted staff to the possible presence of a weapon, and an SSL immediately searched the teenager’s belongings. A loaded handgun was found concealed inside, and a school resource officer who was on scene detained the student.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office said the combination of partnerships, training and technology led to a safe outcome.
The $1.1 million weapons detection system scans students as they enter the school each day.
A statement from Harford County Public Schools sent to parents read, in part, “The weapons detection system did what it is meant to do. Our students and staff followed established protocols, and we thank our HCPS safety and security team, Joppatowne High staff, as well as law enforcement partners for their quick response.”
Ronald Dominique, a junior at Joppatowne High School, said students across the district have their backpacks checked and walk through the security system each day.
“We have to take computers out, any headphones, umbrellas, stuff like that, and we have to put it on a tray and walk through them, get them back out of the tray and then that’s it,” Dominique said.
Deputies said the Department of Juvenile Services will determine the next steps in the case.
“Throughout the school year, our SROs and our partners at HCPS train and meet regularly to create a safe learning environment for all students in our Harford County communities,” the sheriff’s office said. “Bringing a weapon to school is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. If you or your child sees, hears, or becomes aware of anything unusual, please remember to immediately alert the SRO and school staff.”
The incident comes just over two years after a deadly shooting at Joppatowne High School.
On Sept. 6, 2024, student Jaylen Prince shot and killed 15-year-old Warren Grant inside a Joppatowne High School bathroom. Prince was found guilty of first-degree murder in May 2025 and sentenced to 80 years in prison in October 2025.
Prosecutors said Prince brought a loaded gun to school and followed Grant into the bathroom, threatening to shoot him at least four times before pulling the trigger.
Students who were freshmen during the 2024 shooting said Thursday’s incident brought back memories of that day.
“I was going to the bathroom today, I saw a lot of teachers in the hallway, a lot of staff,” said Avery Lockridte, a junior at Joppatowne High School. “And once I got back to my class, it was like there was a student who tried to come into the school today with a fully loaded handgun.”
“They said that a student had come in with a loaded handgun and he had been detained and stuff, so the situation was under control,” added Elijah Trim, a Joppatowne High School junior.
The sheriff’s office urged people not to jump to conclusions about the motive or any alleged larger threat of violence.
“We continue to investigate the source of the handgun,” a spokesperson said.
Students said they feel safe with the security system in place.
“As long as they got the weapons detector, I don’t think they’ll be able to get it in unless they go in another way, which I don’t know where that would be,” Lockridte said.
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