A hallway altercation at Suitland High School escalated into a weapons incident, leading to charges against two students.
Prince George’s County, MD – An 18-year-old student has been charged after a handgun was recovered during a fight inside Suitland High School, according to Prince George’s County police.
The incident occurred Thursday morning when De’Ante Abbott, of District Heights, became involved in a physical altercation with another male student in a school hallway. As a School Resource Officer responded to the scene, Abbott was observed attempting to hand off a laptop bag to another student.
Police said the officer recovered a handgun from inside the bag.
Second student also charged after knife displayed
Investigators said the second student involved in the fight, a sophomore, pulled out a knife during the confrontation. The student suffered a minor self-inflicted injury to his hand and was not struck by Abbott.
Key Points
- Handgun recovered from student’s bag during Suitland High School fight
- Second student pulled knife and suffered minor self-inflicted injury
- Both students charged; one as an adult, one as a juvenile
Abbott has been charged as an adult with possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun on school property, and additional firearm-related offenses. He was taken into custody and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.
The second student is facing charges including bringing a knife onto school property and second-degree assault. He is being charged as a juvenile.
Investigation ongoing following school incident
Police said the investigation remains ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the fight and how the weapons were brought onto school grounds.
Authorities have not released additional details about potential disciplinary actions by the school.
