GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A discovery near a Gwinnett County elementary school is raising concerns about security after police found two people living in a tent just beyond a fence separating a shopping center from school property.
According to police, officers found a large hole cut into the fence that separates Centerville Elementary School from the neighboring shopping center.
What the school is doing to keep it from happening again, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4 p.m.
On the other side of the fence, investigators say they discovered a tent where two people had been staying.
Police said a gun and illegal drugs were found inside the encampment.
The proximity to the school immediately raised concerns for law enforcement because of how easily someone could access the area through the hole in the fence.
Authorities arrested the two people found at the campsite and charged them in connection with the gun and drug discoveries. Police have not said whether either person had any contact with students.
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The Gwinnett County School District told Channel 2 Action News that the individuals never came into contact with children and never entered school grounds.
District officials say they are now taking steps to repair the damaged fence and strengthen security measures around the campus to prevent similar situations in the future.
Police continue to investigate how long the campsite had been there and whether the suspects had been living near the school for an extended period.
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