GOLDSBORO, N.C. — An 18-year-old Eastern Wayne High School student was arrested Sunday after school administrators discovered a stolen handgun in his backpack during a routine search, according to local authorities.
Demontae Jermaine McCoy was taken into custody on September 22, 2025, following an incident that began when school administration detected the odor of marijuana on the student and suspected he might be in possession of a vaping device.
During a subsequent search of McCoy’s bookbag, school officials located a handgun, prompting them to immediately contact the School Resource Officer. When the SRO ran the weapon’s serial number through police databases, the firearm was confirmed as stolen property from the City of Goldsboro.
The School Resource Officer was notified over the school radio to report to the office, where the handgun was secured and processed.
McCoy was transported to the magistrate’s office where he was formally charged with three offenses:
- Felony Weapon on School or Campus
- Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Misdemeanor Carrying a Concealed Gun
The defendant was issued a $5,000 secure bond following his arrest.
Eastern Wayne High School administrators have not released additional details about the incident, and it remains unclear how the stolen weapon came into the student’s possession.
This case represents a serious breach of school safety policies, with the defendant facing multiple felony charges that could result in significant legal consequences.
