DARLINGTON COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A 16-year-old allegedly carrying a shotgun forced the lock down of two schools in the Darlington County area Tuesday.
Audrey Childers, spokeswoman for Darlington County Schools, says the individual was spotted carrying a firearm case near St. John's Elementary School.
The call was received by a parent in area of the schools who claims they saw a black male walking down Park Street with a weapon, says Darlington City Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Nelson.
"In an abundance of caution, St. John's Elementary School and Brunson-Dargan Elementary School went into lock down," Childers explains.
The juvenile suspect was found just a few moments later, and police insist he was not moving toward the schools. Authorities are not releasing the individual's name because he is a juvenile.
Childers says, "Our schools did an exceptional job of mobilizing and implementing their safety plans. The Darlington Police Department also did an exceptional job of responding so quickly to the threat."
"Everyone is safe and all the lock downs were lifted. The children are continuing their school day. The safety of our students and staff is always our first priority," she insists.
Sgt. Nelson says the juvenile was carrying a shot gun case, with a shot gun inside, when he was taken into custody by law enforcement.
"The juvenile subject did not enter the campus of St. John's Elementary School nor Brunson Dargan Elementary School therefore students were never in any danger," Sgt. Nelson says.
Sgt. Nelson continues that the juvenile was later charged for his involvement in a burglary, which police believe he was fleeing from when the concerned parent spotted him. The shot gun he was carrying was purportedly taken from a home nearby.
Sgt. Nelson said the juvenile was not in school because he is currently suspended from the unidentified school he attends.
He has been released to his parents.
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