Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School went into lockdown on Wednesday after a fight involving students erupted at a nearby park, followed by reports of gunshots.
The school’s principal, Shelton Mooney, explained that around 10:10 a.m., a community member alerted the school about the gunshots, prompting staff to notify emergency services and law enforcement. The fight participants fled after the shots were fired, and the school initiated lockdown procedures as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
Following an investigation, including reviewing footage of the altercation, it was determined that some of the individuals involved were students from the school. On Thursday, authorities arrested a juvenile on gun-related charges and 18-year-old Nicholas Paolo Blanco on multiple charges connected to the incident.
The lockdown began at 10:57 a.m., and a shelter-in-place order remained in effect until around 2:20 p.m. Montgomery County police confirmed the situation was under control. Principal Mooney praised the students and staff for their calmness and assured families that support, including increased police presence and counseling services, was available.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the Maryland-National Capital Park Police at 301-929-2748.
