Friday, April 23, 2010
© Copyright 2013
Gwinnett Daily Post
LILBURN -- School officials found a handgun and ski mask on a Berkmar High School student at the Lilburn school's campus this week, authorities said.
Officials found a 9mm and the mask in a school book bag belonging to Zelalem Workeneh, a 17-year-old sophomore, according to his arrest warrants.
Workeneh was arrested Thursday morning without incident.
In a letter to parents, Berkmar principal Ken Johnson specified the weapon was unloaded and that Workeneh had made no threats nor expressed any intent to use it at school.
Administrators and a school resource officer were tipped off that Workeneh might be carrying a weapon, the letter says. He'll face disciplinary action in addition to criminal charges, Johnson wrote.
"We take a very strong stance in providing a safe learning environment," Johnson wrote.
Police have charged Workeneh with possession of a weapon on school property, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Workeneh was recently charged in a separate, pending case.
Records show he was arrested at school in February on aggravated battery charges stemming from an altercation at Club Drive Park. Two other students and a recent Berkmar graduate were also involved, according to a police report.
Workeneh was released from jail March 9 after a judge bound those charges to Gwinnett Superior Court for indictment.
Workeneh remains in jail without bond. He's scheduled to appear in a probable cause hearing Tuesday in Gwinnett Magistrate Court.
More like this story
- Officials: Handgun found in school backpack ( November 17, 2011 )
- North students charged with dealing drugs ( May 1, 2010 )
- Gun intercepted at Gwinnett jail ( March 23, 2012 )
- Students jailed on charges of carrying knives to school ( December 2, 2009 )
- Lilburn man facing charges in accidental shooting ( June 6, 2011 )
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