VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — An 18-year-old student at Bayside High School in Virginia Beach was sentenced after a loaded handgun was found in his backpack.
In a letter sent to families and staff, Bayside Principal Troy Walton confirmed the incident that occurred March 29.
According to the letter, school administrators were notified of a “concerning picture” on social media which led to the search of two students. One of the students was found to have a loaded handgun in their backpack.
The gun was determined to be stolen out of the City of Chesapeake.
Principal Walton assured that all students and staff are safe following the incident.
Kavonta Hawkins, 18, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and receipt of a stolen firearm.
During a pleas hearing on June 12, Hawkins was found guilt and was sentenced three years with all suspended for his charges. He will also have two years of supervised probation and is banned from all VBCPS’ unless he is enrolled at one of the schools.