The Albemarle County Police Department arrested a woman on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after a firearm was detected as she attempted to enter Monticello High School.

At approximately 9:45 am, the School Resource Officer assigned to Monticello High School was notified of a potential weapons violation. The officer made contact with an individual who was flagged by the school’s weapons detection system. The individual disclosed to police that they were carrying a firearm in their purse. Officers secured the weapon and took the individual into custody without incident.

As a result of this incident, ACPD has charged 48-year-old Bridgett L. Counts of Madison Heights, Va., with felony possession of a firearm on school property (§18.2-308.1) and a misdemeanor concealed carry violation (§18.2-308). Counts was released on an unsecured bond.

ACPD determined there was no ongoing threat to the school, and the incident was resolved without disruption to school operations.