More officers, monitoring planned as Warner Robins High students return

Students return Monday with increased officer presence and hallway monitoring while the district reviews weapons detection systems and other safety changes.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Warner Robins High School will increase its school officer presence and hallway monitoring when students return Monday as Houston County school leaders consider weapons detection systems and metal detectors following Wednesday’s campus shooting.

Principal Dr. Brett Wallace said in a video message released Friday that additional monitoring will focus on hallways and common areas. District leaders are also reviewing campus procedures, supervision, access and other safety measures.

“Monday is an important step, but our work does not end Monday,” Houston County Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard Rogers said. “As parents and community members, you are asking an important question: What more can we do to prevent a weapon from entering our schools? We are asking that same question and we are taking action.”

“We are not dismissing any option, including weapons detection systems and metal detectors,” Rogers added.

Rogers said the district wants to ensure any changes meaningfully improve safety and can be implemented effectively and consistently. The district confirmed Thursday that Warner Robins High School does not currently use a walk-through metal detection system.

The district’s crisis support team will be at the school Monday for students and staff members who need someone to talk with.

“To our students, your teachers are ready to see you,” Wallace said. “We are going to take care of each other. When you return Monday, you will be surrounded by people who care about you and believe in you.”

The school was closed to students Thursday and Friday following Wednesday’s shooting.

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton said a fight between two 14-year-old students inside a school bathroom led to the shooting around 2:15 p.m. A 14-year-old ninth-grade student suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital.

The suspected shooter ran from the school and was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. in the Huntington Hills neighborhood.

Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards identified the accused student as 14-year-old Denzelle Willis Jr. Edwards said Willis faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, theft by receiving a stolen firearm, possession of a handgun by a person under 18, possession of a firearm in a school safety zone and disrupting public schools.

Edwards said the aggravated assault charge places the case under the original jurisdiction of Superior Court because Willis is at least 13 years old.