In Aftermath of Sandy Hook Shooting, Student Arrested for Criminal Offense of Gun Possession
A 17-year-old South Carolina high school student was arrested on Monday, December 17th, after a tip from a fellow student led authorities to search the 17-year-old’s car. Inside, they found a large stash of weapons.
The student, Hunter Ray Green, was found to have multiple weapons in his vehicle, including a loaded .22 caliber hand gun, a razor blade knife, various other sizes of knives, two wood-handled axes, a stun gun, handcuffs, and 200 rounds of ammunition.
Green was arrested and charged with possession of fire arms on school property, a criminal offense.
Because of the severity of the criminal offense, Green will be expelled from his high school for at least one full year.
Pickens County school district spokesman, John Eby, commented on the weapons stash: “It appears that the guns were left in the car after being used for hunting and recreation and were not taken to the school with the intent to harm anyone. However, bringing weapons on school grounds violates state law, and the school district has a zero-tolerance policy towards weapons on school grounds.
“The timing of this incident is extremely unfortunate, but there is no indication that there was ever an intended threat to the school.
“We commend the student who came forward with the information and the staff members who responded quickly to ensure the safety of Easley High.”
Gun Possession is a Criminal Offense in SC, With Exceptions
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED’s) website, it is unlawful in the state of South Carolina for a person to carry any handgun, whether concealed or not, with the following exceptions:
· Law enforcement officers, or those authorized by law enforcement to carry a gun
· Members of the Armed Forces of the United States
· Members of clubs or organizations, and their guests, authorized to purchase and receive fire arms from the United States, or the state of South Carolina
· A person who makes or repairs fire arms
· Private security firm guards
· In the home of, or on the personal property of, the gun’s owner
· If the gun is secured in the glove compartment of a vehicle, or unloaded and in packaging for transport to the home of the gun’s owner
However, according to section 16-23-420 (A), “It is unlawful for a person to possess a firearm of any kind on any premises or property owned, operated, or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, other post-secondary institution, or in any publicly owned building, without the express permission of the authorities in charge of the premises or property.” Guns are not allowed on school property in many states, and authorities must act immediately and strictly if a weapon, or the threat of a weapon, is on school grounds.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Gun Possession Criminal Charges
Being arrested or investigated for criminal charges does not automatically mean you are guilty, or that you have no rights. Whether your criminal charges involve gun possession, drug crimes, or even federal offenses, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have the knowledge to fight for your rights. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800
