A lot of people took off early for the holiday weekend, but incidents at area schools kept the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office’s hands full just before the weekend kicked in.  On Friday, Aug. 29, deputies handled two unrelated school incidents and noted that, despite the events, there’s no ongoing threat to students, staff or the community.

The first incident occurred at the Southeast Guilford High School football game. A security scanner indicated an incoming spectator could have a weapon. A former student, 22-year-old Octavius Mustophidae Benton II, told staff that he did in fact have a weapon. At that point, the School Resource Officer was notified, and Benton informed the SRO that the firearm was on his waistband.

He was apprehended without incident, arrested and charged with:

  • Misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon
  • Felony possession of a weapon on school property

Benton was taken to the Guilford County Detention Center in Greensboro and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond. His attorney may advise him to get a haircut before his court date.

In a separate matter Friday at about 4:45 p.m., the principal of Summerfield Elementary School received an email from a juvenile former student that insinuated a potential threat against students.

Deputies traced the origin of the email, located the juvenile and their legal guardians and conducted an investigation.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, there was no credible evidence of an immediate threat to the school. That investigation is now closed and, according to the Sheriff’s Office, there’s no further information to share.

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