FCPS: Student brings loaded gun to Tates Creek High School

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)-Some parents and students, like senior Zainah Ali, are understandably on edge after a student brought a loaded gun to Tates Creek High School.

Ali says, “I just feel very unsafe and endangered.”

Principal Sam Meaux says it all started when a teacher noticed 18-year-old Lamaar Sanford not acting himself in class.

Principal Meaux says, “Those who worked with him specifically described him that was agitated and they’ve never seen him in that state.”

Meaux says Sanford abruptly left class and that’s when the teacher alerted law enforcement. A school resource officer says he pulled the student aside and discovered the loaded gun in his jacket pocket, and then arrested him.

“It almost feels cliché to say at no time was anyone at danger because I won’t say that to you. But once we discovered there was a weapon, that’s the priority, to make sure everyone is safe.”

Principal Meaux says after talking with the accused student, Lamaar Sanford, he believes the reason why Sanford brought a gun to school doesn’t have to do with anything going on inside the school, but has something to do with issues going in the neighborhood.

“That doesn’t lessen the severity of it, but as the principal I needed to know that everyone else was safe, that there is no target.”

It’s unclear whether the accused student will be able to return to school in the future. The school district can’t comment on student disciplinary matters. But according to the school code of conduct automatic expulsion is recommended in a case like this. The situation is still leaving some uneasy.

Ali says, “…bringing a gun to school like why…you know, was he bullied? I thought Tates Creek was a safe environment to be in.”

Lamaar Sanford was arrested on charges of concealing and carrying a deadly weapon, unlicensed possession of a weapon at school, and resisting arrest. The school district did send out an email to families today explaining what happened. The principal says he also plans to send out another update soon.