Chesterfield student charged with bringing fake rifle into classroom

Chesterfield County police arrested a 16-year-old male student after a prank involving a wooden rifle prop at Meadowbrook High School.

Shortly before 1 p.m., the student entered a classroom while class was in session, pointed the fake rifle at students and yelled something, according to Chesterfield police Maj. Karl Leonard. It is unclear what the boy was yelling, Leonard said, but other students initially believed he had a real gun.The student then left the room and ran through a hallway. A school resource officer apprehended him within a few minutes and without incident, Leonard said.

Authorities recovered the phony rifle, which is a prop meant for school theater.

No one was injured.

The student, who was not identified, was charged with brandishing a firearm on school property.

"We do believe it was simply a prank," Leonard said. "A prank gone bad."

Chesterfield school officials said the student could be suspended or expelled, and that a process has begun to determine what punishment he might face.

"The school system strictly enforces our uniform written regulations for student conduct even if the incident is deemed to be a prank," said a statement from the school system.

-- Reed Williams