Grovetown, GA – Grovetown High School officials reported that a 16-year-old student was found with a handgun in his bookbag on campus on Wednesday, prompting immediate action from the Columbia County School District Police. The student is now facing criminal charges and disciplinary action under the district’s Code of Conduct.
What Happened
On Wednesday, a routine school day at Grovetown High School took a serious turn when a student was discovered carrying a handgun in his bookbag. Principal Andrew Young sent a letter to parents informing them that school police officers quickly recovered the weapon “without incident.” The student has been arrested and transferred to the Regional Youth Detention Center in Augusta.
In the letter, Principal Young reassured parents that the incident was taken seriously. “The safety of students and staff is a top priority, and we take incidents such as these extremely seriously and will investigate fully,” he stated.
What the School Is Doing
As part of the school’s response, the student is facing both criminal charges and consequences in line with the district’s Code of Conduct. While the district did not release further details about the student’s identity or whether the gun was loaded, officials emphasized the importance of safety.
Principal Young urged parents to discuss the dangers of bringing inappropriate items to school with their children and to report any suspicious behavior. He encouraged communication with teachers, administrators, or school police to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone.
Unrelated Incident Involving a Pocketknife
In an unrelated incident, a 5th-grade student found a pocketknife on Bus 1505 Route 2 on Wednesday morning. The knife was promptly turned over to the bus driver, who submitted it to school administration and the Columbia County Police Department. This bus route serves both Greenbrier High School and Riverside Elementary School. The district is investigating this as well.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The discovery of a handgun on a school campus is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols in schools. As investigations continue, Grovetown High School officials and the Columbia County School District remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of students and staff.
