Student arrested trying to bring gun into Manassas High

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - A student was stopped at the metal detectors at Manassas High School after trying to bring a gun into the building, according to school leaders.

Memphis Police Department said 18-year-old student Darryl Cooper set off the metal detectors Tuesday morning.

During a pat down, school security said they found what felt like a handgun in Cooper's pocket. That's when he took off, only to return to the school a short time later.

When he came back, the metal detectors did not go off, and school leaders did not find a weapon on him. However, police found the weapon nearby in a wooded area.

Officers arrested Cooper and confiscated the weapon.

Cossie Seldon said she rushed to the school, afraid for her granddaughter's safety.

"He could've hurt a lot of people," Seldon said. "I said, 'I need to hurry up and get down there.'"

According to the police report, Cooper is a known member of the Bloods gang.

SCS stressed that the student did not make it inside the school with the gun. They said their security screening process worked.

The thought of not having the metal detectors is something that scares parents.

"Why would he bring a gun to school?" Effie Williams said. "Think about it, somebody could've got killed."

SCS said it notified parents about the incident.

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