Officer M. Hunsucker charged Jeffrey M. Tomlinson, 40, with possession of a gun on educational property, carrying a concealed gun, possession of oxycodone, possession of Xanax, possession of medication without proper label and trespassing.

The events which led to his arrest, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement, began after officers responded to the Washington Street parking lot behind the high school on a call of a suspicious person around 9:30 a.m.

When officers arrived, School Resource Officer R. Stainback and school staff were talking with Tomlinson, who had been observed in the staff parking lot. He got out of his vehicle and set a small pile of trash on fire.

Why he allegedly set the trash ablaze and why he was in the parking lot to begin with is unclear, Hasty said this afternoon.

He set some more trash on fire before he was approached by Stainback and school staff, Hasty said in the statement.

Tomlinson was found in possession of narcotics following a search by Hunsucker and a handgun was found in his vehicle.

Hasty said in the statement, “Mr. Tomlinson never tried to enter any of the buildings on the campus and he was not dressed as a student with a backpack. The school staff that observed Mr. Tomlinson acted quickly and reported it to the SRO and administrative staff, who in turn contacted the police department and approached Mr. Tomlinson in the parking lot.  

“With the recent events in our nation on our school campuses, the alertness of the staff at Roanoke Rapids High School should be commended for their quick reporting and response to the presence of Mr. Tomlinson on the campus parking lot.”

Said Hasty: “We will continue to work with the school systems, local, county and state law enforcement agencies in keeping the campuses as safe as possible.  We will do this by training, reviewing and communicating with each other on different scenarios that could affect the safety of our children while they are at school.”

Roanoke Rapids Graded School District spokesman Les Atkins said in a statement school staff was not sure of Tomlinson’s actions after he was spotted standing in front of his car and staff witnessed him burning paper. “RRHS School Resource Officer Rex Stainback immediately addressed him and the RRPD was called for assistance. He was arrested by RRPD and his car will be towed.”

Atkins said in the statement Tomlinson was a former RRHS student. “In an effort to keep parents informed, RRGSD made an alert call following the incident this morning. Please know that our campus remains safe and secure.  Thanks to our staff who acted quickly and responsibly. “

Tomlinson received a $10,000 bond and June 6 court date.

Master Officer G. Colson assisted.