Top Stories

Police: Teen Arrested after 9-1-1 Call Puts Berkeley High School on Lockdown

Pictured: Berkeley High School

MONCKS CORNER, S.C.–A teen has been arrested after Moncks Corner Police say he called 9-1-1 and made a false report.

On June 4th at approximately 9:50 a.m., Chief Rick Ollic stated that his department along with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s office responded to the Berkeley High School Campus after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a person on campus with a gun.

The school immediately went into a lock down status and all staff and students were safe throughout the incident. Information was obtained regarding the phone call.

An investigation was conducted and the identity of the caller was learned, which was a student of the High School.  Police say Cooper Smith, 17, was taken into custody.

“Our agency always takes any threat to the safety of our students and school staff to be serious and whether real or false the person(s) responsible will be held accountable for their actions by being criminally charged.”- Chief Rick Ollic said.

Smith was transported to the Hill Finklea Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing.

Statement from Berkeley County School District :

During a crisis, or when we must take precautionary measures related to a potential crisis, the most reliable information will always come from law enforcement and/or Berkeley County School District.

Information will be released in a way that does not hinder the investigation of law enforcement or put the safety of children at risk.

While we want all those connected to Berkeley County School District to find peace of mind during and after such situations, it is crucial that we do not let our communication interfere with those working to secure our campuses and protect our children.

We ask that you please help us by choosing not to share or repeat unfounded and unconfirmed rumors of matters involving school safety. We are committed to providing timely, accurate information to our parents and guardians first. If you are not receiving our calls or text messages, please contact your child’s school to ensure that we have your correct contact information in our system.  Please also encourage those close to you to follow us, and their child’s school, on Facebook and Twitter so that they always have access to the most accurate information pertaining to student safety.

Comments are closed.