Update 3:55PM – The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has added a charge of Felony Communicating a Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property against Donovon Covington. His bond has been increased from $10,000 to $60,000.
CLEVELAND – A high school senior scheduled to graduate with his class Friday night instead finds himself in the Johnston County Jail after his arrest on weapons charges.
This morning (Thursday), a school resource officer at Cleveland High School received a tip there was student with a handgun in his possession. The resource officer immediately located the student inside the high school. During a search of his book bag a loaded 9mm handgun, two loaded magazines, several shotgun shells, a large folding knife, and brass knuckles was reportedly found.
18 year-old Donovon Maurice Covington of Clayton was taken into custody. He was transported to the Johnston County Jail and charged with two counts of possession of a weapon on educational property, one being a felony charge for the gun and the other a misdemeanor for the knife. Covington was also charged with carrying a concealed gun.
Sheriff’s Captain Chris Strickland said authorities are still investigating a motive as to why Covington brought the weapons to Cleveland High and also where he obtained them.
Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said, “The tip we received this morning just shows that everyone wants safe schools for students and staff.”
Johnston County Public Schools Chief of Communications Crystal Roberts told JoCoReport that Covington will not be in attendance at the Cleveland High graduation on Friday night.
No injuries were reported and no other students were involved.
Covington was confined Thursday morning in the Johnston County Jail under a $10,000 bond.
