The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded on April 14 to a report of a firearm at Great Mills High School after receiving a tip from a student who said they saw another student with a gun.
This incident highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement and school officials to ensure the safety of students and staff in educational settings.
According to the news release, the school resource officer was notified immediately and additional deputies arrived within minutes. School administrators initiated safety protocols while officers began their investigation. A 17-year-old male suspect was identified, and his person and belongings were searched. While no firearm was found, authorities discovered alcohol and marijuana in his possession.
The suspect will face charges for disruption of school operations, possession of cannabis by a person under 18, and possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21. The sheriff’s office noted that juveniles are not publicly identified due to legal protections during judicial proceedings.
“School safety remains a top priority with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the prompt report of suspicious activity allowed deputies to resolve the situation quickly and safely,” said officials in the statement.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is recognized as the oldest continuously operating sheriff’s office in the nation according to its official website. It extends services across all areas of St. Mary’s County for residents and visitors alike as described on its website. The agency emphasizes problem-solving, community partnerships—including those with public schools—and dedication to integrity, respect, and protection according to its official site. Its modern headquarters supports comprehensive services such as patrols, corrections, emergency response, and collaborations with local organizations as reported by the agency.
Broader cooperation between law enforcement agencies like this one—with longstanding histories—public schools, faith-based groups, and other community organizations aims to further advance public safety initiatives throughout St. Mary’s County.
