C.H.S students in legal hot water after allegedly bringing guns on campus

Two Cairo High School students are facing felony charges in connection with separate incidents last Thursday and Friday involving guns on campus and in one instance also possession of illegal drugs. School officials are urging parents to help the school system prevent weapons and illegal drugs from being brought onto school campuses.

Malachi Antonio Spicer, 18, is facing a felony charge of unlawfully possessing a loaded, .22 caliber pistol in his book bag at Cairo High School Thursday. Spicer is also facing a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of an officer.

At approximately 11:35 a.m. Thursday, Grady County School System Police Officer Gary Hines was called to inspect Spicer’s book bag after the student allegedly refused to allow a school assistant principal search the bag.

According to an arrest warrant filed with the office of Grady County Chief Magistrate Pat Pollock, Spicer resisted arrest and attempted to throw Officer Hines on the floor. Subsequently, Cairo High School principal Chris Lokey responded to the incident and was able to talk with the student and deescalate the situation.

The student’s mother was called and when she arrived and searched her child’s bag, the loaded handgun was allegedly discovered.

Additionally, Spicer is charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass for allegedly intentionally damaging Officer Hines’ Invicta watch.

Then on Friday morning, a 16-year-old male C.H.S. student arrived late to school and appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The student did not resist arrest, according to school officials, and a subsequent search of his belongings allegedly uncovered a loaded handgun and marijuana.

The juvenile, whose name was not released due to his age, was taken into custody by Officer Hines without incident and he faces charges of felony possession of weapons at school and a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.

“Illegal drugs and weapons will not be tolerated on the campus of Cairo High School. Parents, we ask for your help in reviewing the student handbook with your child and having important conversations surrounding these crucial topics. We strive for all students to do well in their classes and to enjoy their high school experience, but to do so safely. I will continue to work daily to make Cairo High School a safe, nurturing environment where learning takes place each and every day,” Cairo High School principal Chris Lokey said in an “all-call” message to high school parents.

Both students have been suspended from school and will face a disciplinary tribunal hearing.

“I would like to thank the Grady County School System Police for their continued support of Cairo High School and for keeping Cairo High School as well as the Grady County School System safe. I have been assured by Chief Allen Powell of the Grady County School System Police that school safety is our first priority for all of the Grady County Schools and that we will continue to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to the safety of our students,” Lokey said.