Weapon found on campus at Ashley High School, Veterans Park Campus placed under shelter-in-place

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A shelter in place was ordered at three New Hanover County Schools today, after a student was found on a school campus with a gun.  

The Board of Education held a news conference this afternoon trying to calm students and parents after second gun incident in less than two weeks. 

New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Charles Faust said, “It’s the end. We are tired of it; parents are tired of it.” 

Ashley High, along with Murray Middle and Anderson Elementary all moved to a shelter in place to keep students safe.   

Law enforcement responded and no one was hurt.   

“There was good communication sent out by the school system to the individual parents,” said Pete Wildeboer, New Hanover County Schools Board Chair.

School board members stressed safety most of all at this news conference. 

Wildeboer said their response to improve safety should include others. 

Wildeboer said, “We would encourage community involvement. If you hear of something; if you see something; if your child comes home and says there’s a problem, please — don’t keep it at home. Let us know.” 

Superintendent Dr. Charles Faust agreed and sent a stern warning to students that similar incidents won’t be tolerated going forward and it’s not just the person who brings the weapon that could end up in trouble. 

“We’re going to continue to hold fast and press hard on anyone who brings a weapon into the school,” said Faust. “If you know of a weapon that is in the schools, we’re going to be pushing that you are held just as accountable as the person who brings it into the school.” 

Faust and Wildeboer said the next step the school district will do immediately is bring search dogs onto the campus to search for weapons and drugs.  

Faust said, “We are taking back our schools.” 

The man involved in the previous incident — 18-year-old Kshaun Williams — is scheduled to appear in court again next week.