A juvenile was reportedly found on a school campus in Catawba County with a loaded weapon. According to a news release from the Newton Police Department, last Friday, January 27, shortly before 8 p.m., officers were working security detail at a basketball game at Newton-Conover High School. A member of the school administration approached one of the officers and pointed out a male student who appeared to be impaired and possibly had an odor of marijuana.

The officer approached the individual who was identified as a 15-year-old student in the Newton-Conover City School system. Upon further investigation and a brief altercation, the juvenile was subdued and a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun with an extended magazine and marijuana were taken from the individual.

The individual was brought to the Newton Police Department then turned over to Juvenile Services. A juvenile petition has been issued for possession of a firearm on school property and possession of marijuana. The individual is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and was scheduled to appear in court today (February 3).

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone who may have additional information is asked to contact Newton Police at 828-465-7430.