Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Richland County deputies say a 14-year-old student brought a gun to Kelly Mill Middle School.
Officers say a school resource officer was alerted by a school staffer that there could possibly be a weapon on school grounds. The 14-year-old student was pulled aside without incident. When asked to lift his hoodie, the student revealed a black 9mm pistol tucked into the front of his pants.
Officers say the gun was not loaded.
The teen was arrested and taken to the Richland County jail, where he is being held in its juvenile wing.
Kelly Mill Middle Principal Mark Sims sent this letter home to parents about the incident:
This is Principal Mark Sims with a message for Kelly Mill Middle Parents, Faculty and Staff.
Today a student reported a safety concern to one of our teachers, and the teacher reported the concern to an administrator. The administrator involved the school resource officer.
A student who was believed to have a weapon was removed from class and the SRO found a handgun on the student. The unloaded weapon was immediately confiscated. The student did not threaten anyone or indicate he planned to use the weapon against anyone.
I felt it was important to alert our parents and staff in order to help prevent the spread of misinformation.
We are proud of our student and faculty member for sharing the safety tip with us and appreciate all that our parents and staff do to help keep our school a safe place for learning.
If you have any questions, please call your student’s grade level administrator. Thank you.