safety
Assistant principal accused of shooting a gun during a school break-in charged, police say
By Luke Tucker at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - A former assistant principal in North Carolina was charged recently, weeks after he allegedly fired a shot during a school break-in.The break-in reportedly happened on May 25 at Hairston Middle School in Greensboro.Greensboro police said the assistant principal...
Key takeaway Greensboro police said the assistant principal, Charlie Wardell Smith, 54, told them he went to the school after getting a call about an alarm going off.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The recent charge against a former assistant principal in North Carolina for discharging a weapon on educational property raises questions about school safety protocols in our own community. In Laredo , school administrators and law enforcement have a critical role in ensuring the security of students and staff. The fact that the assistant principal in this case felt compelled to take matters into his own hands, allegedly firing a shot to scare off an intruder, highlights the need for clear guidelines and training on responding to school break-ins. As Laredo's schools continue to evolve their safety measures, it's crucial to consider the potential consequences of such actions and to establish protocols that prioritize de-escalation and cooperation with law enforcement. The outcome of the case in North Carolina will likely inform discussions on school safety nationwide, including in Webb County, where local educators and authorities must balance the need for security with the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? GREENSBORO, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - A former assistant principal in North Carolina was charged recently, weeks after he allegedly fired a shot during a school break-in.The break-in reportedly happened on May 25 at Hairston Middle School in Greensboro.Greensboro police said the assistant principal...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Luke Tucker at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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