Nassau police say they have arrested a student at Elmont Memorial High School after a switchblade was found in his backpack.
Detectives say they responded to the school at 555 Ridge Rd. on Tuesday afternoon after they received a 911 call. The 18-year-old was detained by school staff and was placed into police custody upon their arrival.
Police say Dayvion Campbell, of Elmont, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and was released on an appearance ticket to return to the youth section of the First District Court in Hempstead at a later date.
"The children are not safe," says Janet Constable, an Elmont resident. "They're not safe if all the students are bringing it. We don't even know what's the reason why they bring stuff like that to school."
Regina Agrusa, Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent, says safety is the top priority and they're taking this matter very seriously.
"Upon discovering the item, around dismissal time, school officials immediately contacted law enforcement and followed the appropriate safety protocols. While no threats were made, the District takes this matter very seriously. The safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment," Agrusa said in a letter to the community. "Please be assured that in addition to any legal consequences the individual may face, the District will address this incident in accordance with our Code of Conduct.”
There have been multiple other incidents like these over the past two weeks.
On Monday, a 15-year-old West Hempstead student was arrested for bringing a loaded gun to school.
Last week, a 15-year-old was arrested after police say he stabbed a classmate with a kitchen knife during a fight at Sachem High School East.
Two weeks ago, another student from Smithtown High School West for bringing an unloaded gun, loaded magazine and knife to school.
Parents and community members are concerned and say more security measures need to be in place.
"It did not used to be like that. Schools were schools. Schools were not the place to go for violence," says Suniel Bagad, an Elmont resident.
"It will deter students from bringing weapons that aren't supposed to be in school," says Paulette Weir, an Elmont resident.