Morning drop-off at Ridgeway Middle School turned briefly into a crime scene on April 29 when, according to court records, an argument in the carline escalated to the point where a Memphis woman pulled out a gun. The confrontation, captured on school surveillance cameras and bystanders’ cell phone video, left the firearm "in plain view" before staff stepped in and calmed things down, the records state.
Arrest and evidence
FOX13 Memphis reports that court papers identify the woman as 41-year-old Dekandis Sutton. She was booked on a charge of possession of a weapon on school property. According to documents reviewed by the station, both school surveillance footage and cell phone video show Sutton holding a gun in the drop-off area while staff moved in to keep the situation from getting worse until officers arrived.
What the law says
Under Tennessee law (TCA 39-17-1309), having or carrying a weapon on school property can be charged as a Class E felony when there is intent to go armed. Carrying a firearm on campus without that intent is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, and schools are required to post notices warning about the penalties. The statute sets the maximum punishment for the felony offense at up to six years in prison and a fine of as much as $3,000, according to the Tennessee code.
School response and local details
Court records reviewed by FOX13 Memphis state that Ridgeway Middle School staff were able to de-escalate the April 29 dispute and that no one was hurt. Ridgeway Middle’s official site lists the school’s address and contact information for parents who need to follow up. The school belongs to Memphis-Shelby County Schools and maintains a public contact page for families.
Case status
According to the court records, Sutton was taken into custody on May 18 and charged with possession of a weapon on school property. The filings reviewed did not list an arraignment date, so it was not immediately clear when she is scheduled to appear in court.
