That student faces two felony gun charges. School officials told police the student may have had the gun for protection against gangs in the area. But multiple parents said they've heard the student may have been bullied.
The incident at the school is concerning to Urban Prep parents. "It's a good school. You have a lot of parents that are very caring and that are very into their children and wanting to make sure their kids are in a good and safe place," said Stephanie Royal, parent.
Police say they arrested 17-year-old Darnell Hamilton Tuesday at the school's west campus after administrators were told by a witness that Hamilton had a gun in his locker. Students say the school was placed on lockdown after a 9mm handgun and several bullets were found in the locker.
"I was very alarmed. And I just recognize that this is not just a problem at Urban Prep. We're seeing it now all over the country," said Angeline Dunn, parent.
Urban Prep has made national headlines because for the last four years 100 percent of graduating seniors have been accepted to college.
A statement released by the school said: "The safety and well-being of students is and always will be a primary concern for Urban Prep. A review of campus rules and safety protocols was provided to all West Campus students and employees to reiterate the seriousness of this type of situation."
"They notified us immediately, so the parents knew before the children were actually out of school that there was an issue," said Royal.
The student is being charged as an adult and is being held on $75,000 bond.
