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Teen faces expulsion, charges for weapons
Anonymous parent called in tip about student with loaded pistol, knife
GUN AND KNIFE PIC
The knife and gun found on a juvenile Tuesday at ECHS. - photo by Photo courtesy of ECSO

An Effingham County High School student could be out of school for more than a year after he was found with a gun and a knife.

The student, a 16-year-old male, was arrested Tuesday for possession of a weapon on school property, possession of a handgun under the age of 18 and disrupting a public school.

The student was carrying a loaded 22-caliber magnum and a knife. The weapons were in the student’s pockets.

Pam Cox, communications specialist for the Effingham County Board of Education, said an anonymous parent called to let administrators know about the student with the weapon.

Effingham County Sheriff’s Detective David Ehsanipoor said the student, upon arriving at school, was searched by school officials. A deputy was present during the search.

The student willingly turned the weapons over to school authorities. According to school system officials, the student said he brought the weapons to go to squirrel hunting.

Superintendent Randy Shearouse said the minimum punishment is one-year expulsion from school. There has not been a disciplinary hearing scheduled since the student is in law enforcement custody.

He said the parents can choose not to have a hearing.

“It’s a very serious matter when you have a loaded pistol at school,” Shearouse said.

He said there has been extra security at the school since the incident.

Shearouse said it has been a long time since a student brought a firearm to campus. He said he couldn’t remember the last time it happened.

“I think (the school) is safe,” he said.

He said the administrators were vigilant and made sure to check on the tip they received.

The student is currently being held at the Claxton Youth Detention Center.