On Tuesday afternoon, a Forest Oak Middle School employee was taken into custody after authorities located a loaded handgun in his vehicle.
According to Gaithersburg Police, “Community Engagement Officers from the Gaithersburg Police Department have arrested 30-year-old William Broadus Coleman of Washington, D.C. for possession of a loaded privately manufactured handgun on the campus of the Forest Oak Middle School.
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at approximately 12:24 p.m., Gaithersburg Police Community Engagement Officers were called to Forest Oak Middle School located in the 600 block of Saybrooke Oaks Boulevard for the report of a staff member who was reportedly in possession of a firearm. During the course of the investigation, Community Engagement Officers made contact with Coleman, who provided consent to a search of his vehicle. Community Engagement Officers subsequently located a loaded handgun.
Coleman was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. He has been charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded handgun, and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property. Bond information is not available at this time.”
Forest Oak Middle School Principal Dacia F. Sewell released the following community message:
“Dear Forest Oak Middle School Families,
This letter will give you more information about the Shelter-In-Place we conducted at our school today, Tuesday, April 16.
School administration was made aware today that a staff member may be in possession of a weapon. Gaithersburg city police were called immediately, and at the same time, we initiated a Shelter-In-Place at 12:24 p.m. to assist police with their investigation. Police immediately detained the employee, and they determined the individual did have a gun and that it was located in their car. Police searched the vehicle with the cooperation of the employee, and they confiscated a gun. Police arrested the employee who was removed from school grounds, allowing us to lift the Shelter-In-Place at 1:18 p.m. and return to normal school operations. As a result of placing the school in a Shelter-In-Place, the police were able to move quickly, and very few people witnessed the employee being detained and being removed from campus. This remains an ongoing investigation by police at this time.
The arrested employee has been placed on leave per MCPS procedure and, although in police custody, is not allowed at school at this time. It is important to note that when any employee is on leave (for any reason), it is considered a personnel matter, and by law, what can be shared is limited. This is one reason why this letter does not name the individual. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting these requirements.
As the principal, I share your sadness and concern over the incident that occurred at our school. It is disheartening that a member of our Forest Oak Middle family displayed such poor judgment by having a gun, even if it was in their car, while at work. We reiterate that a school campus is not a place where such actions can be tolerated. The possession of weapons is strictly prohibited and clearly stated in both the MCPS Student and Employee Codes of Conduct.
Ensuring the safety and security of our students is our utmost priority. We maintain a strong partnership with our allied police partners and the MCPS Department of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management. This collaboration is instrumental in our efforts to provide a secure environment for our students and staff.
Dacia F. Sewell, Ed.D. Principal Forest Oak Middle School”