BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Berkeley County deputies said they arrested an 18-year-old student at Philip Simmons High School after he brought a loaded gun at school on Tuesday.
Jaiden Anderson, of Martha Lane in Huger, was charged with possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a stolen firearm. Authorities say the firearm, which had one round chambered, was discovered in Anderson’s bookbag along with an extended magazine.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, school administrators alerted its resource officer on site that Anderson was suspected of carrying a weapon. Anderson was taken to a secure room where a search uncovered the gun. Sheriff Duane Lewis praised the swift response by deputies and school staff.
SEE ALSO:
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- Police: Berkeley High Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun to School
“As a father and as your sheriff, I care about our children’s safety,” Lewis said in a statement. “Knowing that a loaded gun made its way into a classroom is troubling, but I’m incredibly proud of our deputies and the school staff who acted quickly. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our schools and hold those accountable who threaten that safety.”
Anderson was granted two $15,000 surety bonds — one for each charge. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the Berkeley County School District are continuing to investigate the incident.
