LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — A handgun and ammunition were discovered in separate student vehicles at the Lancaster County School District Career Center on Thursday, following a routine safety sweep.
District officials confirmed that the items were found during a routine drug dog search conducted on January 8, 2026. While both a weapon and ammunition were recovered, administrators stated that the discoveries occurred in separate vehicles and appear to be unrelated incidents.
Following the discovery, the school district sent a message to families to ensure transparency regarding the event. The statement noted that law enforcement officers, along with district and school administrators, are working together and taking every precaution to ensure the continued safety of the school community.
Due to privacy laws, the district cannot release specific information regarding the individuals involved. However, the district reiterated its strict policy regarding weapons on campus. As outlined on the district’s safety website, no firearms or explosives of any kind are allowed on school grounds, including firearms stored in vehicles driven onto school grounds by adults. State law strictly prohibits this, and all violators will be prosecuted.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
