19-year-old student brought 2 guns to Potomac High School, Prince George's County police say

High school student, 19, caught with two loaded guns

A 19-year-old student is in custody, accused of trying to walk into Potomac High School in Prince George's County with two loaded guns. FOX5?s Nana-Sentuo Bonsu has more on the investigation.

PRINCE GEOREGE'S CO., Md. - Two guns were taken from a student at Potomac High School on Monday, according to the Prince George's County Police Department. 

Student in custody

What we know:

Police responded to the school in Oxon Hill around 10:45 a.m. on Feb. 10 after they received a report that school security personnel had recovered the two loaded guns from the student. 

The student involved has been identified as 19-year-old Jamel Curtis, an 11th grade student at the school. The guns set off a metal detector as Curtis walked into the school. He was carrying both guns in his clothes.

Curtis remains in custody and will be charged with multiple offenses, which will include having a handgun on his person and having a dangerous weapon on school property.

What we don't know:

No additional information has been released concerning the student or his motive for bringing the weapons to the school. No injuries were reported. 

What school officials say

From Principal Demarco Clark:

February 10, 2025

Dear Families,

I am writing to inform you about an incident today at Potomac High School.

Our school’s security enhancement technology detected a weapon, which was promptly confiscated by school administration. No students or staff members were harmed in this incident. The student involved will be disciplined accordingly.

The safety of our students is our top priority. Please assist in our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment by discussing with your child acceptable behaviors that support a positive school climate. 

Discuss with your child the consequences, such as expulsion, for bringing weapons or anything that resembles a weapon to school. Please encourage your child to always immediately report the sighting of any weapon or suspicious objects on school grounds to a staff member or trusted adult.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 301-702-3900 or demarco.clark@pgcps.org. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Demarco Clark

Principal

From PGCPS:

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff. Today at Potomac High School, our security measures worked exactly as intended to prevent a potential threat.

During a routine screening at the school’s entrance, our security detection system flagged a possible prohibited item. Security personnel immediately intervened, conducted further screening, and successfully recovered two firearms from a student. Law enforcement was notified, and the student was taken into custody.

This incident underscores the effectiveness of our continued investments in advanced security technology and staffing. The swift action of our security personnel and our screening process helped ensure that no harm came to our school community. PGCPS will continue to prioritize school safety by strengthening security protocols, personnel training and technology to maintain safe learning environments.