Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrests After Shots Fired at Carver High School Students
In a disturbing incident that unfolded at Carver High School (CHS) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies have arrested three individuals, including two current CHS students and one former student, in connection with shots being fired at students on the school’s baseball field last month. The arrests come after a thorough investigation into the March 19th incident, which could have ended much more tragically but fortunately did not result in any injuries.
The investigation began after two CHS students reported that they were fired upon while on the school’s baseball field during school hours. The exchange reportedly began with a verbal dispute between two groups of students. The situation quickly escalated, leading to one group firing shots at the other. Thankfully, no students were injured in the incident, though the frightening nature of the altercation left many shaken.
According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, after receiving the report of gunfire, deputies quickly launched a full investigation into the event. Through their efforts, they were able to gather evidence that led to the identification of those responsible. As a result, three individuals have been arrested and charged with various crimes related to the shooting.
One of the individuals arrested is Henry Gomez-Velasquez, a 17-year-old Winston-Salem resident, who has been charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Gomez-Velasquez, a student at Carver High School, was allegedly involved in firing the shots at the two students on the baseball field. This violent outburst, which occurred during the middle of a school day, raised concerns over safety on campus and led to heightened security measures at the school.
In addition to Gomez-Velasquez, two juveniles, both students of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, were arrested in connection with the shooting. One of the juveniles has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including:
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
- One count of possession of a weapon on school property
- One count of discharging a firearm within the city limits
- One count of possession of a handgun by a minor
The second juvenile has been charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the community, with many parents, students, and school staff left in disbelief that such a violent event could occur on a school campus. Law enforcement authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting the potential for even greater harm had the situation not been quickly contained. Thankfully, no one was harmed during the incident, but the threat posed by these students was undeniable.
Following the arrests, all three individuals were taken to the Alexander Juvenile Detention Center in Taylorsville, where they will await further proceedings in the case. The charges they face are significant, and if convicted, they could face lengthy consequences for their actions.
The case has sparked broader conversations about gun violence in schools and the growing concerns regarding student safety. WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus expressed her gratitude for the swift resolution of the case by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and praised the efforts of Carver High School Principal Maxwell and her staff, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their students. “Principal Maxwell and her team do the hard work every day to keep students safe and secure at CHS in partnership with families, the community, and law enforcement,” McManus said in a statement. “It will take our whole community working together to solve gun violence.”
This incident has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address gun violence in schools. Local authorities, school officials, and community leaders have stressed the importance of creating safer learning environments and finding solutions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. It also underscores the critical role of law enforcement in responding to threats on school campuses, and the importance of partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community in ensuring the safety of all students.
While this particular event has been resolved, it remains a tragic reminder of the challenges schools face in maintaining a safe environment. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, along with other local agencies, will continue to monitor and address issues related to school safety, and ensure that justice is served in this case.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and law enforcement remains committed to ensuring that anyone involved in this violent incident is held accountable.
The arrest of these students serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that arise from actions motivated by anger and violence. It also raises questions about the growing prevalence of firearms in the hands of minors and the urgent need for further efforts to combat gun violence in communities across the nation.
The incident at Carver High School has left a lasting impact on the school community, and officials are hopeful that this case will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to more proactive measures that can help ensure the safety and well-being of all students. As the community comes to terms with the events of March 19th, everyone involved is hopeful that the outcome of this case will lead to a greater focus on addressing the root causes of school violence and preventing such incidents from occurring again in the future.