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Teen student arrested, charged after bringing gun to Renaissance Academy in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach School Bus
Posted at 10:42 AM, Mar 21, 2023
and last updated 2023-03-21 13:53:52-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A student was arrested for bringing a gun to Renaissance Academy, according to Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

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In a letter sent to the students’ families, Renaissance Academy director James Miller said the gun was detected at the school’s security station upon arrival on Monday, March 20. The Virginia Beach Police Department says this was at 8 a.m. The department added that school security was alerted when the student's backpack went through the metal detector.

The student was arrested immediately and none of the students or faculty members were harmed, said Miller. Police say the student was detained by school security before a School Resource Officer took him into custody.

VBPD has since identified the student as 18-year-old William Craigen. He has been charged with the following, according to police: misdemeanor concealed weapon and felony possession of a firearm on school property.

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The school administration, the Virginia Beach Police Department and the Office of Security and Emergency Management are investigating the incident, according to Miller. Miller added that in addition to facing criminal charges, Craigen "will be disciplined in accordance with the student code of conduct.”

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Stay with News 3 for updates.