South Garner High School was thrust into the safety spotlight yesterday when administrators and law enforcement addressed a serious incident involving a student armed potentially to commit harm. At approximately 3:45 pm, school officials and Garner Police Department were alerted to an 18-year-old student allegedly carrying a loaded firearm. Garner Police quickly detained and arrested Rico Jaemison Owens, the student in question, who was found with a loaded, stolen handgun and narcotics in his possession. CBS17 reported that authorities arrested Owens on several charges including felony possession of a stolen firearm and firearm on educational property, as well as narcotics possession.
The apprehension occurred on a teacher workday with no students in classes, noted Principal Keith Faison. Despite this, the incident has spurred the school into increasing campus security as officials and law enforcement work to not only to investigate but to also actively ensure a secure learning environment. "The best means to keep schools safe is to maintain healthy and open relationships between adults and children at all times," Faison advised in a statement obtained by Garner NC Police Facebook page. He urged students and the community at large to "continue to emphasize to students that they should feel comfortable in talking about situations that cause them concern," as mentioned on CBS17.
This case has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding school safety and the presence of firearms on school grounds. Though Garner Police have stated that there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the school, they are taking precautionary measures. According to WRAL's coverage, extra patrols were planned to be deployed around South Garner High School as a reassurance to students, staff, and parents in the wake of the incident.
The student at the center of the incident, Owens, was booked at the Wake County Detention Center with a bond set at $25,000. Court records from CBS17 also indicate he was found illegally in possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. As the community seeks to navigate this troubling event, Principal Faison assures, "Know that we will continue to take every measure to ensure the safety of our students."
