BLYTHEWOOD – A Westwood High School student has been charged with multiple crimes after bringing weapons on campus Tuesday, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department reported.
The 15-year-old student was overheard by another student threatening to “shoot up the school.” He later brought the weapons to the school, the sheriff department’s news release said.
The student who heard the threat reported it to his parents and school staff, who contacted Westwood’s school resource officer, it was reported.
When the student arrived at school Tuesday morning, he was interviewed by Sheriff’s deputies and admitted making the threats, according to the news release.
Sheriff’s deputies searched the student and found two knives, officers said.
The teen was charged with carrying a weapon on school property and making threats before being turned over to his parents’ custody, according to the release.
WHS Principal Dr. Cheryl Guy notified parents saying there was no danger to the school and no injuries reported.
The teen will appear in Richland County Family Court, but no date has been set, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
BLYTHEWOOD – Richland School District Two acknowledges school threat from a student at Westwood High School.
Libby Roof, Chief Communications Officer at Richland Two District Office released this statement:
“I know that the Richland County Sheriff’s department has released an advisory regarding a Westwood High student charged. Below is a copy of the email Westwood High principal, Dr. Cheryl Guy, sent to her parents this morning.”
Dear Westwood High Parents,
I’m writing to share information about an investigation into a threat made against our school. First let me reassure you that there is no immediate threat or danger to our school. Hopefully, my email will help prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation and help reassure you that we take school safety very seriously.
Yesterday after school, a student reported overhearing another student making a threat against our school. The safety tip led to an investigation that involved interviewing the student who reportedly made the threat. During the investigation, school administrators and School Resource Officers found two knives in the student’s possession. Our school resource officer immediately secured the weapons. No one was harmed prior to or during the investigation.
We are following district procedures and board policy in administering disciplinary consequences. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department will be releasing additional information about legal consequences.
We are proud of our student for sharing the safety tip with us and appreciate all that our employees, students and parents do to help keep our school a safe place for learning. Remember, our schools are staffed with lots of caring adults, including our school counselors, who are available to help work through issues in a productive way. If you have any questions or concerns about school safety, please contact a school administrator.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cheryl Guy
Principal
The Voice will update with more information as it becomes available.
