Fayetteville, NC — The Fayetteville Police Department, along with Cumberland County deputies and school officials, responded Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, shortly after 11:30 a.m., to a report of a loaded weapon discovered on the campus of Pine Forest High School on Andrews Road.
School officials confirmed that staff received a report regarding the item, prompting a School Resource Officer to quickly locate the student and secure the weapon without incident. Authorities stated there was no indication of an active threat to students or staff at the time.
Some parents reported receiving an automated notification from the school informing them of the situation. According to information shared with families, there was no indication that a Code Yellow or Code Red lockdown was implemented during the incident.
Law enforcement officials said a juvenile petition has been filed, and the student is facing a charge of possession of a firearm on educational property. The student has been processed and placed into the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The incident has raised concerns among community members regarding how the weapon entered the campus despite existing security measures, including metal detectors. At this time, officials have not released details on whether an alternate entry point was used, whether screening procedures were bypassed, or if other factors contributed.
The case remains under review as authorities and school administrators work to determine how the weapon made it onto school grounds and whether any security protocols may need adjustment. Officials are reminding students, parents, and community members to report concerns immediately to school staff, law enforcement, or through anonymous tip lines, including 910-483-8477.
