"A Walton Middle School student was arrested Monday in connection with a pistol police discovered in a locker Friday.

Police did not release the student’s name because the student is a juvenile. Police also declined to say what charges the student is facing.

The student apparently brought the gun to school Friday morning and gave it to a classmate, who hid it in the locker, according to a letter e-mailed to Walton parents Monday afternoon by the school’s principal, Betsy Agee.

“Your child’s physical and emotional well-being are of the utmost importance to our school staff,” Agee wrote. “If you would like to discuss your child’s response to this incident or our safety plans, please call the school administration. Our doors are always open to you - please know that we address our task of keeping your child safe while helping them achieve their potential with heart-felt diligence.”

Police would not say if the pistol was loaded or if any ammunition was found. Authorities also declined to say where the student obtained the weapon, though they did say that the student is not being charged with stealing it. Police and school officials refused to say when or where the gun was first noticed Friday.

“The details of all this, we’re kind of holding off on releasing all of it,” said Lt. Todd Hopwood, an Albemarle County police spokesman.

Police do not want to jeopardize the investigation by releasing too many details, he added.

School officials were not notified about the gun until after school let out Friday, according to Agee’s letter. Police were called at around 5:30 p.m.

Parents were not told about the incident until Monday, when Agee e-mailed her letter at around 1 p.m. The letter was an attachment to an unrelated newsletter. Several Walton parents contacted Monday afternoon by The Daily Progress had not heard about the firearm.

“I’m not going to rush to judgment, but a gun at school sounds like something we should know about,” said Gwen Lappley, a mother of a sixth-grade student at Walton.

Sue Martin, immediate past president of Walton’s PTO, said it is worrisome that students apparently did not come forward immediately and tell an adult about the gun.

“How was it that this gun was at school all day long and no one said anything?” Martin said. “I’m shocked that it happened. I’m sorry that it happened. I hope the truth comes out.”

Steele Howen, executive director of support services for Albemarle County schools, said teachers and administrators met with Walton students in small groups Monday to discuss the incident. Extra counselors were on hand in case any students needed additional guidance.

Whenever a student witnesses dangerous behavior, they are urged to notify school officials as quickly as possible, Howen said.

“We want to keep our schools safe,” she said. “We want the children to report any unsafe behavior to an adult.”

Albemarle County police are continuing to investigate. Meanwhile, the school system has initiated discipline procedures, according to Agee’s letter. Agee did not return requests for comment.

The school system’s firearms policy calls for at least a one-year expulsion for any student who brings a firearm onto school property.

Under Virginia law, possession of a firearm at a school can be charged as a felony. Possession of a firearm with the intent to use it on school grounds carries a mandatory minimum of five years." (Brian McNeill, The Daily Progress, February 5, 2008)