Teen Arrested After Having Gun On West Iredell High School Campus

An 18-year-old was arrested Friday after allegedly having a gun on the campus of West Iredell High School.

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