Beaufort, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
A Battery Creek High School student has been charged with a felony for having a kitchen knife in his backpack. This incident, the second involving a weapon on campus this semester, raises concerns for safety. The knife was discovered during a search after the student was found violating school policy by selling candy. Along with the knife, officials also found three vaping devices. The school district emphasizes strict regulations against weapons on campus to ensure safety for students and staff.
Beaufort, South Carolina – A Battery Creek High School student has been charged with a felony after a kitchen knife was found in his backpack. This incident marks the second case this semester involving a weapon on campus, following a previous episode where another student was caught with a loaded gun.
The student is facing charges in Beaufort County Family Court for unlawfully bringing a weapon onto school grounds, a classification that is considered a felony under South Carolina law. The exact reason for the knife’s presence in the student’s bag is still unclear, and there is currently no information regarding any intent to use the weapon.
The situation unfolded when BCHS Assistant Principal CaTia Gilbert noticed the student selling candy from his bag, violating school policy. A “safety search” was conducted by Gilbert, accompanied by a campus security guard, during which a culinary knife with an approximately 4-inch blade was discovered. During the search, the student expressed his belief that “people were out to get him,” indicating a perception that he was “set up” in this scenario.
Following the discovery of the knife, the school resource officer placed the student in handcuffs. After the arrival of the student’s mother, he was petitioned to family court for further proceedings. In addition to the knife, the student was also found with three vaping devices, which may lead to additional disciplinary actions from the school based on the district’s policies.
This incident occurs less than a month after a separate event on August 27, where a 16-year-old male student was charged after a loaded gun was found during a disciplinary meeting. In response to that incident, the school had entered a “secure status,” ensuring that doors were locked and classes continued in a safe environment.
According to the Beaufort County School District’s policy, bringing weapons, including knives with blades over 2 inches, onto school grounds is strictly prohibited and must be reported to the police. The regulations also state that students found with firearms face a minimum suspension period of one year.
Community Response and Recommendations
Parents and guardians are encouraged to have serious discussions with their children regarding the implications of bringing weapons to school and to promptly report any knowledge of weapons to school authorities or law enforcement. Community members are also urged to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Background on School Safety Policy
The Beaufort County School District is committed to maintaining a safe environment in schools and has clear policies regarding weapons on campus. These policies exist to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and violations are dealt with according to the law.
Key Points
- Battery Creek High School student charged with felony for having a kitchen knife.
- Second weapon-related incident in one semester; first involved a loaded gun.
- School policies prohibit weapons and mandate police reporting.
- Parents advised to discuss weapon safety with their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the incident at Battery Creek High School?
A Battery Creek High School student was charged with a felony after administrators discovered a kitchen knife in his bag.
What happened prior to this incident?
This incident occurred less than a month after another student was disciplined for bringing a loaded gun to the school.
What were the charges against the student?
The student was charged in Beaufort County Family Court with bringing a weapon on school grounds, which is classified as a felony in South Carolina.
Did the student claim any intent with the knife?
The purpose of the knife’s presence in the student’s bag is unclear, and it is uncertain if he intended to use it.
What did the school discover during the search?
During the search, the student claimed that “people were out to get him,” suggesting he felt he was “set up.”
What additional findings were made during the search?
Administrators discovered three vaping devices in possession of the student, which would lead to further disciplinary action.
What policies are in place regarding weapons at school?
The Beaufort County School District policy prohibits bringing weapons onto school grounds and mandates reporting to police for any violation.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Kitchen Knife Found in Student Bag |
| Legal Status | Charged with Felony in Family Court |
| Previous Incident | Loaded Gun Found in Another Student’s Bag |
| School Policy Violations | Weapons & Vaping Devices Present |
| Community Advisory | SoDiscuss Weapon Safety with Children |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Battery Creek High School Student Charged with Weapon Possession
Beaufort Schools Secured After Weapon Concerns
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Burton Man Arrested in Shooting Incident
Rip Current Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Search Underway for Murder Suspect in Beaufort Shooting
Beaufort Student Arrested for Gun Possession at Battery Creek High School
Beaufort Student Arrested for Bringing Pistol to School
Voting Begins for High School Football Player of the Week
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Student Charged with Knife
- WJCL: Battery Creek High School Gun Incident
- Bluffton Today: Student Charged for Gun at School
- Google Search: School Safety Policies
- Your Island News: Student Arrested for Gun
- Wikipedia: School Safety
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
