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Austin Lee Thomas
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office received information that an individual was possibly headed toward the school with a gun. He was identified as 18-year-old Austin Lee Thomas.
The school district was contacted and schools were placed on alert.
Deputies and the school resource officer determined Thomas wasn’t on the property while conducting a security sweep. After reviewing surveillance video, they found his truck had left school property just before deputies arrived.
The truck was seen located and a traffic stop was conducted. A high-powered rifle, marijuana, and marijuana paraphernalia were found in the truck.
Thomas was charged with felony possession of a firearm on an educational property, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
The district has not confirmed whether or not Thomas is or was a student at West Iredell. He was issued a $3,000 secured bond.
Photo: Iredell County Sheriff’s Office