Police say student may have wanted to scare tormenters

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School employee also charged for having gun in school.

Frank Hammon
WFLS News

Date published: 6/18/2004

Investigators say a Gainesville student who allegedly brought rifles to school may have been trying to scare other students.

No shots were fired and no one was hurt, but Bull Run Middle School was evacuated after an assistant principal spotted the student and a gun in a bathroom stall. Two more rifles were later found.

Prince William County Police Chief Charlie Deane says the 12-year-old may have been trying to frighten people who'd been picking on him during the year. Deane doesn't think the weapons were ever pointed at anyone. The student was dressed in camouflage.

The boy has been charged with Possession of a Firearm on school property, Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Use of a Firearm in Commission of Felony, Conspiracy to Commit Abduction for Money and Conspiracy to Commit Murder. He is being held without bond at the Juvenile Detention Home.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a school employee. 38-year-old Naomi Lewis of Haymarket and an acquaintance of the boy, has been jailed on a charge of possession of a firearm on school property. Lewis works in the school's caefteria. her bond is set at $5,000.

According to police Lewis gave the boy a ride to school. Prior to going into the school, Lewis discovered the guns in her car. She locked the car and went to work in the school.

Police say the 12-year-old returned to the car and retrieved the weapons using a key he had obtained without Ms. Lewis’ knowledge.

Today is the last day of school in Prince William County.

But the school will reopen tomorrow and Monday with counseling services available and students may pick up items left at the school.

Date published: 6/18/2004