Woodbridge Man Fired A Shotgun Into The Air Near Rippon Middle School On Thursday: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Police officers arrested a man with a rifle and a shotgun outside Rippon Middle School on Thursday morning, the police department said. Authorities said the man fired a shotgun round into the air before walking onto school property.

Police believe the incident began as a domestic dispute at a home near the school. In their report, the police department noted that the original dispute was not related to the school.

Officers arrested 20-year-old Durante Arye Meza without further incident. Meza lived on Georgia Road, which is located near Rippon Middle School.

Staff members at the school said they heard the gunshot and saw a man with a gun outside the school around 11 a.m. They told the school resource officer, who requested backup.

The school resource officer found Meza along a cut-through towards the side of Rippon Middle School, authorities said. Meza was wearing a ski mask and carrying a rifle and a shotgun, according to the police report. He complied with the officer's commands and was taken into custody.

School staff secured Rippon Middle School and nearby Featherstone Elementary School as a precaution. In their report, the police department said there was no connection between Meza and the school.

During their investigation, officers spoke with people who lived with Meza on Georgia Road. The other residents said they had a verbal argument.

No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting or the domestic dispute.

Meza is charged with discharging a firearm on school grounds and possessing a firearm on school grounds. He is being held without bond, and his next court date is scheduled for May 10.