MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A Berkeley Middle School student is facing charges after police say they brought a loaded handgun onto campus Monday afternoon.
According to the Moncks Corner Police Department, officers responded to the school on Monday, Sept. 22 after administrators were alerted that a student may have had a gun. The school was placed on a temporary hold, keeping students inside their classrooms while officials investigated.
Law enforcement and administrators went to the student’s classroom, where police say the student was handcuffed and escorted out. A search revealed a Springfield Armory 9mm handgun tucked in the student’s waistband, loaded with a magazine containing 11 rounds.
Police credited students who came forward to report what they saw. “Their actions likely saved lives and prevented serious injury to others at the school,” officials said in a statement.
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Chief Lee Mixon praised the quick response from both school staff and officers. “Bringing a weapon to school will not be tolerated and is a reckless and dangerous decision that puts the safety of students, staff, and the entire school community at risk,” Mixon said. “I am proud of how our officers responded and the commitment of our school resource officers to keep the schools safe.”
No injuries were reported, and school operations have since returned to normal.
The student, whose name has not been released because of their age, has been charged with carrying a weapon on school grounds and is being held at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
