Bartow County School Police Chief Dan Knowles said the orange tip that usual identifies airsoft guns had been removed.
“It looked just like a Beretta handgun,” he added.
The incident occurred before school began in the school’s cafeteria. Dotson allegedly pointed the airsoft gun at the back of one student’s head and then pointed it another student.
“They did actually point it at a couple students,” Knowles said.
AHS Principal Bruce Mulkey wrote a letter to parents saying the incident was immediately reported and resolved.
“While most students in the cafeteria at the time were unaware that there was an issue, several students immediately reported the incident to staff and the two students were removed from the cafeteria without incident,” Mulkey wrote. “I am extremely proud of the students and staff who acted swiftly to keep the situation from becoming more dangerous for all of our students.”
Mulkey also encouraged parents to speak with their children to ensure they understood the severity and consequences of such an incident.
Jackson and Dotson were later booked at the Bartow County Jail. Jackson is charged with possession of weapon on school property, while Dotson is charged with possession of weapon on school property and aggravated assault.