An 18-year-old was arrested after a social media video showed him with a handgun at an Anne Arundel County Public School.
On Tuesday night around 8:30, officers were told about a social media video showing a man with a handgun inside of a school. Through an investigation, police were able to identify the suspect as Maleek Benjamin, a student at Old Mill High School.
On Wednesday, the School Resource Office for the school was immediately notified and found Benjamin, who had a loaded revolver handgun in his coat pocket.
The following note was sent to parents from the Old Mill High School principal:
Dear Parents and Guardians: I am writing to inform you about a very serious incident that took place at our school today and to ask you to talk to your child about it. The Anne Arundel County Police Department news release attached to this letter contains information about an incident in which a loaded handgun was recovered from a student this morning.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m., we received information from county police that they believed one of our students may have had a loaded gun. I immediately went to the student’s classroom and asked the student to step into hallway. The School Resource Officer escorted the student to the office and I retrieved the belongings from the classroom. A search of those belongings uncovered a loaded handgun inside the student’s jacket.
I want to be clear that our investigation to this point has not shown that the student threatened anyone. We are continuing our investigation, and police are continuing their investigation. Police have taken possession of the gun and ammunition, and the student has been removed from the school. Instruction is continuing normally and there is no threat to students and staff.
I want to assure you that appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct has been and will be taken.
I implore you to urge your child to immediately find a member of our staff or other responsible adult and report any activity that may pose a danger to students or staff members. We take great pride in the instructional program we have built here at Old Mill High School, and we must work together to continue to enhance that culture.
Please do not hesitate to contact our school if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Stacey Smith Principal
Benjamin has been charged with possession of a firearm under 21, dangerous weapon on school property, and other related charges.
