Tools in school prompt weapons charge

Thursday, February 11, 2010
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS -- A Meadowcreek High School student caught with tools in his backpack this week faces felony weapons charges, officials said Thursday.

Seventeen-year-old sophomore Desmond Thomas is charged with possessing weapons on school property, disruption of a public school and affray, or public fighting.

Administrators found a wrench and a multipurpose tool in Thomas' backpack Wednesday after he fought another sophomore, O'Shea Matlock, 17, in the school commons area during lunch, officials said.

Once separated, both students were searched and transported to the Gwinnett County Jail.

In an incident report, school police described the Crescent-style wrench as heavy and about 12 inches long. The other tool contained a knife with a blade longer than two inches, the report says.

Thomas did not employ the tools during the fight, which began as a verbal exchange, said Gwinnett Public Schools spokesman Jorge Quintana.

Thomas remained jailed on $5,200 bond Thursday. Matlock posted $2,600 bond and was released a day prior.

Both students will face disciplinary action at school, Quintana said.

Gwinnett Daily Post