Second student charged in connection with bringing loaded gun to Richland Co. high school

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A second teen has been charged in connection with a firearm that was found at Richland Northeast High School Monday, deputies say.

A 14-year-old female student has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a pistol under 18, and unlawful carry of a pistol.

The female student told school administrators that she brought the gun to the school and then gave it to another student.

That student, a 14-year-old male, has been charged with having a weapon on school grounds, possession of a pistol under 18, and unlawful carry, according to reports.

The incident occurred Monday just after 3 p.m. when a school administrator notified school resource officers that she found what she believed to be a gun in the bag of a 14-year-old male student.

After an inspection, deputies say a loaded handgun was found inside of the bag.

Both students have been booked into the juvenile wing of Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis says the community must come together to prevent guns in schools.

The superintendent said he’s working to bring in a group called “Be Smart” into his classrooms to teach teens about gun safety.

Superintendent Davis says it’s always his expectation that all of his students will return home safely, so it is of great concern to him that two students put their lives and others at risk.

“It disheartens me we still have to have this conversation,” Dr. Davis said. “I feel schools are safe and statistically it bears out, but one incident shatters that perception then we have to work to repair that perception and it disheartens me.”

Dr. Davis is also asking parents to make sure they have their firearms stored in a safe and secure place.

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