Georgetown County student charged after sending picture with gun, threatening to shoot up middle school

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A student at Carvers Bay Middle School is facing charges after deputies say the 12-year-old sent a photo via text message threatening to shoot up the school.

Officials with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said an investigation into the threat began after a student told a parent about the photo.  Other students also came forward after learning about the message.

The school district’s safety department was made aware of the threat just before 6 a.m. Tuesday and contacted the sheriff’s office. Deputies immediately responded to the juvenile’s home on Ford Village Road, where they were detained and interviewed by investigators.

Officials say the juvenile admitted to making the threat.

“The student’s mother cooperated with the investigation and surrendered the pictured firearm,” officials said. “A search of the residence did not turn up additional evidence.”

The student was taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia for incarceration until a hearing can be arranged.

The sheriff’s office said Carvers Bay Middle School kept a normal schedule and was not interrupted.

“Sheriff Weaver commends the students for their bravery in coming forward with vital information. He emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and urges parents to securely store any weapons in their homes to ensure safety for everyone.

 Anyone with information about this incident should call the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office at 843-546-5102.