Fifteen Year Old Student Arrested After Bringing Handgun With Defaced Serial Number To Eastern Wayne High School

A 15-year-old student at Eastern Wayne High School was arrested after being found with a concealed handgun featuring a removed serial number.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 11:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WITN

Safety Tip Leads To Weapon Seizure At Wayne County Campus

A prompt report from school staff prevented a potential tragedy at Eastern Wayne High School last week. On March 4, administrators received information suggesting that a student was in possession of a firearm during school hours. Following established safety protocols, the tip was immediately relayed to the on-site school resource officer. A subsequent search of the student resulted in the discovery of a handgun concealed within the pocket of the teenager's coat.

Serious Charges Filed Against Juvenile Suspect

The 15-year-old student was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Pitt County Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities have confirmed that the youth faces several serious legal allegations, including possession of a weapon on educational property and carrying a concealed firearm. Furthermore, the student has been charged with the alteration or removal of a firearm serial number, a felony-level offense often associated with attempts to hide a weapon's origin, as well as being a minor in possession of a handgun.

Collaboration Between Law Enforcement And School District

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the successful resolution of this incident was the result of a strong partnership with Wayne County Schools. Law enforcement officials noted that the anonymity of the student will be maintained due to North Carolina’s juvenile privacy laws. The department continues to encourage students and faculty to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the appropriate channels to ensure the continued safety of the academic environment.