South Carolina High School Student Arrested For Allegedly Threatening To Shoot Up Schools
South Carolina sheriff’s department arrested a 14-year-old male high school student Monday because authorities got a tip that he threatened to shoot up schools in his county, according to FoxNews.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office started the Gilbert High School student made a “threatening statement” while they were riding the bus last Thursday, and another student overheard them.
The student notified school administrators that he listened to the other student allegedly talking about dressing in a trench coat the next day and shooting up an elementary school and a middle school.
“The student who came forward should be commended for doing the right thing,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “They heard something and reported all the details to someone who could immediately step and take action to make sure everyone stayed safe.”
“While there was never any imminent danger to students, teachers or anyone else on a campus, this is another example of how we and Lexington School District share in the responsibility to protect those who learn and work at school.”
The student, who has not had his identity publicly released, was sent out of custody after he was charged, the sheriff’s office said. He is due to arrive in a Lexington Family Court at a later date.
The Lexington School District released a message to families.
“We are proud of the student who came forward to report the threat,” the district said. “This situation is another example of how we must work together to keep each other safe. We take threats seriously and take swift and stern action against those making threats against our schools.”