June 13, 2025

Student Faces Felony Charges After Gun Found in Backpack

News Summary

A female student at Whale Branch Early College High School has been charged with felony possession of a weapon on school property after a loaded gun was discovered in her backpack. This incident has raised significant safety concerns within the school community, particularly against the backdrop of increasing firearm-related incidents in Beaufort County schools. The firearm has been confirmed as stolen, complicating the severity of the charges. Local authorities emphasize the need for community vigilance to maintain safety in schools.

Beaufort – Student Faces Felony Charges After Loaded Gun Found in Backpack

A female student at Whale Branch Early College High School has been charged with two felonies: possessing a weapon on school property and possessing a stolen firearm. The situation escalated on May 16, when school administrators discovered a loaded gun in the student’s backpack, raising significant concerns about safety within the educational environment.

The incident occurred during the final weeks of the academic year, a particularly sensitive period for students and educators alike. Alongside the female student, her boyfriend was found nearby with an empty pistol magazine. However, he was not criminally charged in connection with the discovery.

This alarming event is part of a broader trend regarding student possession of firearms in Beaufort County public schools. In recent months, local authorities have noted a disturbing pattern, as incidents involving weapons have increased. Last fall, South Carolina officials tracked a spike in unsubstantiated threats made against schools across the state, with over 20 students facing charges related to those threats.

Just eleven days following the Whale Branch situation, another concerning incident unfolded at Lady’s Island Middle School, where a student was discovered to have 15 pieces of handgun ammunition in their backpack. Similar to the case at Whale Branch, this student was not criminally charged but faced disciplinary actions in accordance with district policies.

Incident Details

When the gun was discovered, the school’s administrators were quick to act. The male student, who had previously been on probation for an unrelated incident and was wearing an ankle monitor, managed to slip away from school personnel before law enforcement’s arrival, prompting the school to enter a “hold” status. Fortunately, he was soon located near the school’s front office and detained.

Meanwhile, Principal Dr. Leach conducted a search of the female student, leading to the finding of the firearm in her backpack. After both students were detained, they chose not to communicate with police deputies. Following the incident, the female student was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia while the male student was released to his mother.

Stolen Firearm

The firearm confiscated from the female student has been confirmed as stolen, originating from Port Royal, further complicating the severity of the charges she faces. The implications of such an incident extend beyond the individuals involved, affecting the entire school community at Whale Branch High School.

Whale Branch High School is a Title I institution, serving approximately 450 enrolled students and located off U.S. 21 in the Seabrook area of Beaufort County. The school, like many others, is striving to ensure a safe environment for all students as the academic year winds down.

Community Engagement

In light of this incident, Lieutenant Daniel Allen of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of community vigilance in maintaining school safety. To that end, the authorities encourage the public to report any potential threats through the P3 Tips app or Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County anonymously. As safety remains a top priority, it is crucial for community members to remain proactive in their awareness and reporting of suspicious activities.

As the situation continues to develop, both the school and law enforcement officials are working to ensure the safety of students and staff at Whale Branch Early College High School and throughout the Beaufort County school district.

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Additional Resources

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.

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.

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