An 18-year-old student was charged after a firearm was discovered on the grounds of Bassett High School, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office said.
Authorities were alerted around 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 20 when a student self-reported the presence of a handgun to school officials. The school resource officer located the weapon outside the building.
Charles Edward Mills, 18, was taken into custody and charged with violating Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.1, which prohibits possession of a firearm on school property. Mills was released on an unsecured bond of $3,000.
Officials said no threats were made toward the school or individuals, and classes continued as scheduled.
“We understand that incidents of this nature heighten concerns for student safety,” the Sheriff’s Office and Henry County Public Schools said in a joint statement, emphasizing their commitment to addressing safety concerns swiftly.
The agencies urged students, parents, and community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to ensure a secure environment.
