Shotgun found after K9 search of Amherst school; student charged

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - A student has been charged after a shotgun was found in a car at Amherst County High School, according to Amherst County Public Schools and Sheriff’s Office.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the school division worked with the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, Amherst Town Police and the Virginia Department of Corrections to conduct a search of Amherst County High School using drug-detecting K9s. During the search, one of the dogs alerted its handler to a vehicle in the student parking lot, according to school officials.

When the car was searched, investigators found a 12-gauge shotgun under the back seat, as well as rounds of 12-gauge ammunition, a knife and alcoholic beverages, plus nicotine vape devices.

The student, whose age has not been released, was charged with possessing a firearm at school and possessing a knife at school, plus possession of alcohol on school grounds and by someone younger than 21, illegally acquiring alcohol and possessing tobacco under the age of 21. He was taken to the Amherst County Adult Detention Center.

According to the school division, at no time did this incident pose a threat to students or staff, and the sheriff’s office says the student was polite and cooperative throughout the investigation.