Gun found in student’s bag at West Bladen High turns out to be stolen, we speak to the victim, parent

BLADENBORO, NC (WWAY) –  A Clarkton teen made his first appearance in court Thursday after the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office arrested him for having a gun at an area high school.

It’s not certain if the student planned to use the gun when class started this week at West Bladen High. Deputies the school resource officer were not going to take that chance.

“It’s just a sad situation you know, right here close to it, a mile from the school house,” said Adam Thompson.

Thompson found out one of two guns stolen from his Bladenboro home on Tuesday turned up at his daughter’s school the next day.

“It really touches home when your youngins cannot even go to school and be safe,” Thompson said.

The West Bladen High School’s resource officer followed a tip from a student who reported there was a fellow student bringing a gun to school. He asked for the Sheriff’s office to help and set up metal detectors at the school Wednesday. When they noticed the suspect, 16-year-old Gabriel McDowell make his way towards the school, but turn back to leave his book bag in a car, they asked the driver if they can search, they searched it, and they found the gun.

“I don’t think in my mind after talking to the investigators that he went there with an intent to hurt anybody,” said Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker.

The Sheriff’s office linked the handgun to one of two stolen from Thompson’s home, which sits less than a mile from the school. The Sheriff credited the resource officer and brave tipster for the arrest.

“Their safety is our number one concern without a doubt that’s our number one concern.”

Now the Sheriff’s office has added four new felony charges on McDowell. It’s uncertain why he would have taken the gun, but Thompson, like the Sheriff is glad law enforcement did not take any chances.

“The kids at the school are safe,” Thompson said. “And my kid is safe and that’s the main thing.”

“I am very proud of him,” said the Sheriff referring to the resource office. “I’m very proud of doctor Taylor, Mrs. Hester and everybody that was involved I am very proud of them.”

McDowell now faces five felony charges and two misdemeanors.