Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Public Safety Charges Freshman With Felony For Bringing Pellet Gun To School

North Augusta, South Carolina - A teenager is charged with a felony for bringing a gun to school. The North Augusta High School student is awaiting a court appearance. He was arrested early today when public safety officers got an anonymous tip that he brought a gun to school. Investigators found an unloaded CO-2 Pellet gun in this students backpack. While most say bringing that gun to school was a bad idea, many we spoke with today question whether a felony charge is to steep for a High School freshman.

"One, because it looks just like a real gun," says student Temeka Mealing. "Why would you bring something that looks like a gun and scare all the kids in school?" she added.

North Augusta Public Safety officers arrested the freshman at North Augusta High School, charging him with possession of a weapon on school property -- a felony. But some question whether that charge is too severe for this offense.


"I definitely understand why they would want to take some action...I'm not sure about an arrest,” said Karen Clark.

“I don't think he should have been arrested. Suspended, not arrested,” said another parent.

Officers say this case serves as an example to both parents and students."
A spokesman for the department said, “We have a Zero Tolerance policy for this as does the school system.” We want to send a clear message to anyone who brings a weapon on school grounds."

It’s a message that’s getting the attention of this community parents and students alike. Investigators say they don't know why the student brought the gun to school. We expect to hear more from North Augusta High School Tuesday.

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