A student at Palmetto High School was arrested last Thursday for possession of a handgun that was in a bag that was brought to school.
According to a news release issued by the Williamston Police Department, on Oct. 17 a teacher at Palmetto High School overheard two students talking and using violent rhetoric. The conversation related to and involved a bag that one of the students was carrying and had brought to school.
Out of concern the teacher had the student and a bag he possessed taken to a conference room to speak with assistant principal Darryl Imperati. Imperati searched the bag of the student and a Glock .380 firearm, wrapped in a pair of sweatpants, was discovered.
Sgt. Hopkins, supervisor of the Williamston Police SRO division, was summoned and took custody of the student and weapon.
According to Williamston Police Chief Kevin Marsee, an intake proceeding was held with the Department of Juvenile Justice and the student was ordered to be detained in DJJ custody in Columbia pending the outcome of the criminal charges.
The student was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and possession of a firearm on school property.
Subsequent proceedings will be held in Family Court in Anderson.
