A student at Lucile Souders Elementary triggered a weapons detection system while entering the building on Monday—leading staff to discover an unloaded handgun before classes were underway.
The incident happened about 7:53 a.m. at the school, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. Lucile Souders is located at 128 Hillview Ave.
School staff identified the weapon after the student set off a magnetometer at the entrance. A school resource officer and additional officers responded to investigate. Police said the firearm was unloaded, and no injuries were reported.
Authorities later arrested the student’s mother, Donreon McDuffie, 26, and charged her with failing to properly store a firearm. She was released from the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $5,000 unsecured bond, according to police and arrest records.
In a statement to CityView, Cumberland County Schools officials said the incident was handled with support from the district’s weapons detection system, school staff, and law enforcement.
“Thanks to our weapons detection system along with school staff and law enforcement, the situation was resolved quickly and safely. We take the safety of our students and staff seriously,” the district said in a statement.
The district began installing OPENGATE weapons detection systems across all schools during the 2024–25 school year as part of a broader safety initiative.
The systems are designed to allow students to walk through screening points without stopping, with staff monitoring alerts for potential weapons. At most campuses, the scanners are used during morning arrival and later repositioned to main entrances to screen visitors throughout the day.
School district officials confirmed that “appropriate action has been taken” to the student but, citing privacy laws, declined to provide additional details.
District policy strictly prohibits weapons on school property. Students found in possession of a firearm may face a long-term suspension of up to 365 days, while adults can face criminal charges depending on the circumstances.
