Grovetown, Georgia – A 16-year-old student at Grovetown High School was arrested on Wednesday after officials discovered a handgun inside the student’s bookbag, prompting an immediate response from the Columbia County School District Police Department.
The student is now facing criminal charges and disciplinary action in accordance with the district’s code of conduct.
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What Happened
According to school officials, the incident occurred during a regular school day when a staff member discovered that a student had a handgun concealed in their bag. The weapon was quickly recovered by school police officers without incident, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Principal Andrew Young promptly notified parents in a letter about the situation and reassured them that swift measures were taken.
“The safety of students and staff is our top priority,” Principal Young stated. “We take incidents like this very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation.”
Following the discovery, the student was arrested and transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center in Augusta.
School Response and Safety Measures
In response to the incident, the Columbia County School District confirmed that the student will face both criminal prosecution and disciplinary consequences under district policy.
Although officials have not revealed whether the firearm was loaded, they emphasized their ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure campus.
Principal Young urged parents to speak with their children about the dangers of bringing weapons or inappropriate items to school and to report any suspicious behavior immediately to teachers, administrators, or school police officers.
“Our focus remains on ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” he said.
Unrelated Pocketknife Incident Reported
In a separate, unrelated incident, a 5th-grade student was found with a folding pocketknife aboard Bus 1505, Route 2, on Wednesday morning.
The knife was immediately turned over to the bus driver, who notified school administrators and the Columbia County Police Department. This bus route serves both Greenbrier High School and Riverside Elementary School, and district officials have stated that the matter is also under investigation.
A Reminder of the Importance of School Safety
The discovery of a handgun on campus serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of school safety measures and vigilance.
Grovetown High School officials and the Columbia County School District have reaffirmed their commitment to providing a secure learning environment and to taking decisive action whenever safety is threatened.
As investigations into both incidents continue, parents and educators are being encouraged to maintain open communication and work together to keep schools safe.