A 15-year-old student was robbed at gunpoint in a bathroom at Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon, according to local police.
The incident occurred around 12:35 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Montgomery County Police Department, which led to the arrest of three teenagers.
Fortunately, the victim was not physically harmed during the robbery.
Details of the Robbery
According to investigators, the victim was in the bathroom when another student approached him, brandishing a handgun and demanding cash. The victim complied and handed over his money.
In a communication to parents and guardians, Principal Scott E. Smith did not specifically mention the robbery but noted that a student had reported seeing another student with a gun in the bathroom. Staff members were alerted, and as they responded, the suspect fled the scene.
The school was placed in a “Secure” status as a precaution, which meant that students and staff remained inside while exterior doors were locked. Normal activities continued indoors until police confirmed the situation was safe.
“I want to commend the student who came forward and immediately reported what they observed. Reports involving weapons are taken extremely seriously, and today’s response demonstrates why it is important for students to tell a trusted adult immediately whenever they see, hear about, or become aware of a potential safety concern,” the principal stated.
He also encouraged families to discuss the importance of reporting safety issues with their children, acknowledging that such incidents can be alarming. “Please know that the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” he added, thanking the staff and law enforcement for their quick action.
Arrests Made
Police located a group of teenagers near Great Seneca Highway and Wisteria Drive, one of whom matched the description of the robbery suspect. Upon noticing the officers, he attempted to separate from the group and was taken into custody. He did not have the handgun with him at the time, according to police.
Officers also stopped three other teens in the vicinity. One of them initially fled into a wooded area but returned shortly after. A K9 unit subsequently searched the area and discovered a loaded P80 handgun with an extended magazine, which was identified as the weapon used in the school robbery.
Charges Filed Against Suspects
The 15-year-old suspect was charged as a juvenile, with his name not being disclosed. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault and possession of a firearm by a person under 21. He has been remanded to the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center.
Two other suspects, 17-year-old Khalil Ingram and 18-year-old Tayvion Williams, were charged as adults. Ingram was identified as the individual who entered the wooded area where the gun was found, while Williams had previously possessed the firearm.
Ingram faces charges including possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21, while Williams is charged with similar offenses. Both have been taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit for a bond hearing.
Police reported that a fourth teen who was with the group was interviewed and subsequently released without charges.
