Lexington County high school student charged with having a BB gun on campus

A student was charged after being found with a BB gun at Irmo High School on Wednesday, according to sheriff’s officials.

The gun was found tucked in the student’s waist band during an administrative search in the school’s office, according to Capt. Adam Myrick, spokesman for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. The male student, who is not being identified because of his age, was seen with the gun earlier.

The student was charged with possession of a weapon on school property, Myrick said.

“In an effort to safeguard any potentially identifying information, we’re not providing an exact age,” Myrick said.

The charge is a felony that carries up to five years in prison and a $2,000 fine, under South Carolina law.

“This incident served as an important reminder that we all – students and staff – share a responsibility for school safety,” district spokeswoman Katrina Goggins said in a statement. “Thanks to students who reported this to authorities and immediate action by administrators and our on-site SRO, this matter was quickly brought to a close. No students or staff were harmed.

“Safety is a top priority, and we will continue to work with law enforcement and the district security team to ensure students have a safe place to learn.”

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Lexington County high school student charged with having a BB gun on campus."