On Friday, September 9, Beaufort County school officials at Whale Branch Early College High School received a tip from a student regarding the threat of a potential conflict between two other students.
The school was placed in modified lockdown status, which means that teachers and students remained in their classrooms while the tip was investigated.
A search of lockers and backpacks was conducted as a part of the investigation. During the search, a loaded handgun was found in a book bag that was stored in a student’s locker.
The student, a 15-year-old, will be detained at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia and will be charged with possession of a firearm on school property.
As a reminder, no weapon of any kind is allowed on school property.
Students may report tips to school officials, their respective school resource officers, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111.
