Police: Gun found in student's car at East Burke High campus

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

Authorities said they found a gun in the trunk of an East Burke High School student's car Tuesday and charged him with bringing a weapon onto campus.

Zachary Jay Barringer, 18, was charged by the Burke County Sheriff's Office with felony possession of a firearm on school property, said Sgt. Robert Beall.

Barringer, who Beall said participates in military re-enactments, allowed deputies to search his car, which was parked on school property Tuesday. During the search, Beall said, officers found a gun, two knives, assorted military manuals, a gas mask and a military helmet.

Beall said school resource officer Michael Hudson was told that a student was making threats but would not give details of the threats.

Barringer was released on bond Tuesday to his mother's custody. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance today.

Burke schools Superintendent David Burleson also said that a second student, whom he would not name, is being investigated for bringing a BB gun onto campus Tuesday morning. The gun was found in the student's car, Burleson said, after the school received a phone call from one of the student's neighbors.

Tuesdays incidents were not connected, Burleson said.

Both students could face a year's suspension.


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