Police Identify 18-Year-Old Student Who Brought Loaded Gun To School

Carlos Perkins arrested for carrying loaded 9MM semi-automatic pistol

An 18-year-old Rowlett High School student is behind bars for bringing a loaded pistol to school Thursday.

Rowlett police arrested Carlos Perkins and charged him with unlawful carry of a weapon in a weapon-free zone, which is a second degree felony.

Some Rowlett High School students came back to class on edge Friday morning.

"It just makes us want to be more cautious," said senior Ashley Walling. "I think it was really stupid, at our age we should be focusing on our lives and where we are going, instead of bringing a gun to school."

The school district said a student tipped off school officials that Perkins had a gun and when they confronted him, he admitted the weapon was in his backpack.

"Obviously, one bad case can bring some things into question," said Chris Moore with the Garland Independent School District. "And we always take an opportunity like to reevaluate and reassess that what we're doing is in the best interest of the students and parents."

The sophomore student didn't threaten anyone and no one was hurt, but the district said he’s automatically suspended and will be expelled.

We talked to Perkins' great-grandmother who lives with him in Garland. She didn’t want to be interviewed on camera, but said Perkins is "a good kid who made a terrible decision."

His great-grandmother said the gun was for another student, but police are still investigating.

Rowlett High School principal Michelle Bounds sent out a letter to parents commending students for tipping off officials and said, "We will remain vigilant in providing a safe school environment."

"Students, parents, anyone that has concerns about safety, we want to ensure them that our students are absolutely as safe as they can be when they're at campus," said Moore.

For some parents, the incident served as a wake-up call.

"You just think we live in Rowlett, that things like don't happen," said Dalla Lewis. "So it was a bit of a shock."

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