South Gwinnett High School student arrested for bringing gun to school

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A 17-year-old student at South Gwinnett High School has been arrested after school officials say he brought a gun to school on September 18.

Shamal Bascom was in In School Suspension being questioned by an officer, when he grabbed his bookbag and ran out of the school, according to a Gwinnett County School Police report.

While being chased, police say Bascom threw a fully loaded 9mm gun from his person. He was taken into custody and taken to Gwinnett County jail.

After the incident, South Gwinnett High School Principal Monique Lee sent the following letter to parents:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As you know, we take our students’ safety very seriously at South Gwinnett High School. As principal, I wanted to make you aware of a situation that occurred this morning. Our Campus Supervisor stopped a student who was coming on to campus when he should have been in class. The student was taken directly to an administrator who contacted our school's SRO. During a search of a backpack in this student's possession, we found a gun. As a result, this student was immediately taken into custody. In addition to criminal charges for having a weapon on campus, the student also will face disciplinary action.

I want to reassure you that this incident was handled quickly and efficiently. As you all know, students, parents, and teachers play an important role in keeping our school safe and a key to the overall success of our school. I encourage you to continue to come to us when there are concerns that relate to student safety. Thank you your continued support.

Sincerely,

Monique Lee

Principal

South Gwinnett High School

Police say this is an on-going investigation.