News Summary
A Williamsburg woman has been charged after leaving a purse with a firearm unattended at Bruton High School following a band concert. The incident raised significant safety concerns as school officials and parents reacted to the violation of firearm regulations on school property. The School Resource Officer identified the owner and conducted an investigation leading to her arrest for possession of a firearm on school grounds. This case highlights the critical need for awareness around gun safety and the legal restrictions pertaining to weapons in educational environments.
Williamsburg, Virginia – A Williamsburg woman has been arrested after leaving a purse containing a firearm unattended at Bruton High School. The incident, which has raised concerns about safety on school property, occurred overnight following a band concert that took place Thursday evening.
On Friday morning, a staff member discovered the unattended purse in the school’s auditorium. The School Resource Officer (SRO) was alerted to the situation, leading to an investigation that quickly identified the purse as belonging to Rebecca R. Sandoval, a 36-year-old resident of Williamsburg. Following this identification, the SRO determined that Sandoval had attended the concert the previous evening.
Upon further investigation, the SRO obtained a warrant for Sandoval’s arrest. She was taken into custody on Friday and charged with possession of a firearm on school property, a serious offense classified as a felony. The law explicitly prohibits any weapons on school campuses, and despite Sandoval holding a permit for concealed carry, she violated this regulation by bringing the firearm onto school grounds.
Principal Aaron McQuillan of Bruton High School emphasized that the presence of any weapons on school property is against the law, regardless of an individual’s concealed carry permit. This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to legal regulations governing firearms and ensuring school environments remain safe for students and staff.
The timing of the incident is particularly alarming as it followed a public school event where families and community members gathered to enjoy music performed by local students. The discovery of the firearm raised immediate safety concerns among school officials, parents, and attendees of the concert.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. As part of their investigation, they are assessing how the firearm was left in the purse and any potential implications for community safety. Law enforcement aims to remind the public about the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership, particularly in areas where children and young adults are present.
Gun safety advocates have also pointed out the significance of securing firearms properly, especially in environments such as schools, where children are particularly vulnerable. Incidents like this highlight the need for ongoing education about firearm safety and the legal implications of carrying weapons in areas deemed secure zones.
This arrest serves as a crucial reminder of the laws surrounding firearms, particularly concerning their presence in educational institutions. The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety on school campuses and enhancing communication with the local community regarding firearm regulations and safe practices.
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided to ensure the community remains informed about safety measures and legal expectations regarding firearms on school property.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Williamsburg Woman Arrested for Leaving Firearm at Bruton High School
- WTKR: Woman Accused of Bringing Gun in Purse to Bruton High Band Concert
- 13 News Now: Purse Found with Gun at Williamsburg High School Leads to Arrest
- Wikipedia: Gun Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
