Juvenile charged after loaded handgun found during traffic stop at West Forsyth High School

FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — A juvenile faces a felony charge after a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputy found a loaded handgun during a traffic stop on the campus of West Forsyth High School.

The incident occurred Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

Deputies said a school resource deputy followed a vehicle onto campus after learning the vehicle had been reported stolen. The deputy initiated a traffic stop in a school parking lot.

Authorities said two passengers ran from the vehicle. The driver tried to flee but could not move because of traffic in the parking lot. While the deputy attempted to remove the driver, the driver assaulted the deputy and then ran.

The deputy detained the remaining passenger.

Investigators said the juvenile repeatedly reached toward the waistband after being handcuffed. A loaded 9mm handgun then fell from the waistband onto the ground.

The juvenile faces one count of felony possession of a weapon on educational property. The juvenile was taken to the Alexander Youth Detention Facility.

Deputies said the driver and one passenger who fled have been identified and will face charges. Investigators continue work to identify the other passenger.

“There is no place for weapons on school campuses, and we are grateful this incident did not end in tragedy,” said Major Van C. Loveland of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. “We are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment and we will always be vigilant in our effort to ensure our students are safe.”