THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 27, 1994 TAG: 9409270458
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
The Fairfax County school superintendent says he is considering canceling some Friday night football games because of a double shooting.
In Newport News, officials decided to use hand-held metal detectors to search spectators at high school football games for weapons after two students were accused of carrying a loaded handgun to a game.
Robert R. Spillane, the Fairfax superintendent, said he is worried about the growing presence of gangs in the schools and the increase in violence in the stands.
``The primary goal of this institution is its academic mission,'' Spillane said. ``I can't spend a lot of resources, a lot of time and a lot of energy worrying about what happens on Friday nights.''
Spillane said he is considering shutting down Friday night events at Lake Braddock, Lee, West Springfield and Annandale high schools because of the potential for trouble. The games would be rescheduled for other days, possibly Saturday mornings.
In Newport News, a Ferguson High School student dropped a loaded 9mm Glock pistol during a fight behind the stands Saturday night at the Ferguson-Tabb game at Todd Stadium. Police officers breaking up the fight saw the gun drop and arrested the 16-year-old boy and his 16-year-old companion, also a Ferguson student. No one was injured.
The gun was fully loaded with a clip containing 15 rounds, police said.
In addition to searches of all fans entering Todd Stadium, the school system will hire more police officers to patrol during games, city schools spokeswoman Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck said Monday. by CNB