Police: Teen with loaded gun part of 'organized drug operation' at middle school

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned that four students were arrested during an "organized drug investigation" at a Douglas County middle school.

The investigation at Chestnut Log Middle School began when an anonymous tip was called in about a student having a gun.

While investigating the tip, authorities said they found a 14-year-old boy with a loaded handgun, less than a half-ounce of packaged marijuana and less than $200 in cash.

The next day, authorities said they discovered that three other boys -- two 14-year-olds and a 15-year-old -- were involved in the alleged operation.

The teens are facing several charges, including possession of a handgun during a drug transaction.

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Sgt. Jesse Hambrick says this was a first for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

“I have been in this business for 27 years, and I’ve asked several people in the department and I don’t think any of us have seen anything like this, at this age,” Hambrick said.

Jae Wilson, who lives across the street from the middle school, told Channel 2's Sophia Choi that she is astounded this happened where her own children used to go to school.

“This is middle school. You’re more likely to hear these things in high school. My children were still playing with action figures when they were in middle school,” Wilson said.

Deputies say the Sheriff’s Office launched an app that allows students to report concerns anonymously.

The Sheriff’s Office also rewards students to “see something and say something.”

However, deputies declined to say if it was a student who tipped them off in this case.

Deputies say the case is ongoing and more students could be arrested.

Cox Media Group