WAYNESBORO, Va. — On the morning of September 4, 2025, staff at William Perry Elementary School secured a firearm after a student reported that an adult had placed the weapon inside the student’s bookbag.
According to a Waynesboro Police Department (WPD) media release, school staff immediately took possession of the bookbag, confirmed the presence of the firearm, and contacted law enforcement.
Officers quickly responded and secured the weapon.
Investigators later determined that the firearm belonged to an adult. WPD has since obtained three active warrants for Christopher Richard Cook in connection with the incident. The charges include:
§18.2-308.4 – Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with knowledge and intent to possess a firearm
§18.2-308.2 – Possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony
§18.2-250 – Possession of a controlled substance
Police commended the student for immediately reporting the situation to school staff. “This is exactly what we encourage students to do—speak up right away,” the department said in a statement. WPD also noted the continued partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools in maintaining safe learning environments.
From the media release:
Waynesboro Police Department is proud of the student for speaking up right away—just as the student was taught to do. Waynesboro Police Department continues to value the partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools in keeping our schools safe.
Authorities emphasized that no threats were made and that students and staff were never in danger.
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