On January 15, 2025, law enforcement was alerted to an incident at Clinton High School involving a firearm and illegal substances discovered in a student’s vehicle.
At 10:10 AM the Clinton High School Assistant Principal contacted the School Resource Officer after a routine search of the student parking lot using a school contracted K-9 unit led to the discovery of a firearm and marijuana in a vehicle. Both the firearm and marijuana were found during a search of the unlocked vehicle, conducted by School Administrative Staff after the K-9 unit indicated a positive alert.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers were briefed by school officials. The firearm, which was loaded at the time of discovery, was secured and unloaded by a staff member before officers were notified. A subsequent investigation identified the vehicle as belonging to student Jalen Shands, 18.
Mr. Shands was escorted from his classroom to the parking lot by the Principal and the SRO. Mr. Shands was placed under arrest for possession of the firearm and marjuana. The firearm was later confirmed to have been reported stolen in North Carolina. Charges filed against Mr. Shands include;
Simple possession of marijuana
Possession of a firearm on school property
Possession of a stolen firearm
Mr. Shands was transported to the Johnson Detention Center following the arrest. A bond hearing for Shands will be held at the JDC today.