Battery Creek, September 19, 2025
News Summary
A student at Battery Creek High School faces criminal charges after a kitchen knife was found in his bag during a safety search. This incident, happening shortly after another weapon-related occurrence at the school, raises serious concerns about campus safety. The unnamed student has been charged in Beaufort County Family Court, and investigations are ongoing. The school is reinforcing its policies regarding weapons on campus amidst a backdrop of heightened anxiety over safety in South Carolina schools.
Battery Creek – A student at Battery Creek High School faced criminal charges after a kitchen knife was discovered in his bag during a school search. This incident, occurring within a month of another weapon-related event at the school, raises concerns about safety protocols on campus.
The unnamed high school student has been charged in Beaufort County Family Court with bringing a weapon on school grounds, a felony under South Carolina law. The rationale behind the knife’s presence is currently unclear, and authorities have not confirmed whether the student intended to use it.
The incident began when BCHS Assistant Principal CaTia Gilbert approached the student for selling candy from his bag, a violation of school policy. In response, a “safety search” was performed with the help of a campus security guard. During this search, a kitchen knife with an approximately 4-inch blade was uncovered.
During the investigation, the student expressed feelings of paranoia, claiming “people were out to get him,” which led administrators to believe he felt he was being “set up” by someone.
Following the discovery of the knife, a school resource officer placed the student in handcuffs. After his mother arrived at the school, the student was subsequently petitioned to family court. Additionally, three vaping devices were found in the student’s possession, which will result in further disciplinary action as indicated in the police report.
This incident marks the second time within the semester that a weapon was found on the Battery Creek campus. The first occurrence involved a 16-year-old male student who was charged on August 27 for possessing a loaded pistol, discovered during a search related to a disciplinary meeting.
As a precautionary measure, the campus entered a “secure status,” during which all doors were locked while teachers continued with classroom instruction following the pistol incident. Due to the age of the students involved, their identities have not been disclosed to the public.
The Beaufort County School District maintains rigorous policies governing the presence of weapons on school grounds, with police involvement and stringent legal repercussions as necessary. According to the district handbook, knives exceeding 2 inches in length and firearms are considered severe safety threats. Firearm possession may result in mandatory expulsion for at least one year.
Background Context
In light of these recent events, the school community is grappling with significant safety concerns. The enforcement of strict policies regarding weapons aims to maintain a safe environment for students and staff alike within South Carolina schools.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Feature | Incident 1 | Incident 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Date | August 27 | September 2023 |
| Type of Weapon | Loaded pistol | Kitchen knife |
| Student’s Age | 16 years old | Unnamed high school student |
| Legal Action | Charged in family court | Charged in family court |
| Disciplinary Action | Under investigation | Ongoing |
FAQ Section
What happened at Battery Creek High School?
A student was criminally charged after a kitchen knife was found in his bag during a safety search.
Is this the first weapon incident at the school this semester?
No, this is the second weapon incident this semester; another student was charged for bringing a loaded gun.
What laws apply to bringing weapons on school grounds in South Carolina?
Bringing a weapon on school grounds is classified as a felony in South Carolina.
What did the school do in response to the incidents?
The school has strict policies against weapons, leading to police involvement and disciplinary action.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Student Charged After Gun Incident
- Wikipedia: School Security
- WTOC: Student Detained for Gun
- Google Search: School Gun Incidents
- Bluffton Today: Charged Student
- Google Scholar: School Violence Prevention
- Your Island News: Student Arrested for Gun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Shooting
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.
