THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF CASEY COX AND DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL JANET GRAHAM REGARDING THE INVESTIGATION OF A CHILD FOUND WITH A FIREARM AT PLEASANT HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TODAY

On December 7, 2018, a 6th grade student at Pleasant Hill Elementary brought a firearm on school campus. The student revealed the firearm to other students who shared the information with administrators. Information came to school officials and the School Resource Officer Jim Higgins at approximately 2:00 p.m. Officer Higgins made contact with the student in less than one (1) minute after receiving the information. An unloaded small caliber handgun was retrieved from the student and the student was taken into custody without incident, charged with Attempted Aggravated Assault and Possession of a weapon on school property after consulting with the District Attorney’s Office. The juvenile student is being held in custody pending a hearing Monday, December 10, 201

Parents were notified by various school messenger apps from the Cumberland County School System as soon as was possible. There was no need to conduct lockdown protocol due to the swift action of the SRO and the immediate containment of the situation. Investigation is ongoing at the time of this press release. We are grateful for the students that came forward with information. During the investigation it was revealed to the administration that the students saw the poster “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” and made the choice to do so.

SHERIFF CASEY COX

DIRECTOR JANET GRAHAM