Bond granted for student arrested after loaded gun found on Richland County school bus

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A student was arrested Monday after Richland County authorities said they found a gun on a school bus.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said 18-year-old Kelvin Figueroa was charged with carrying a weapon onto school property.

RCSD said Figueroa’s arrest came after another student texted 911 at around 8:45 a.m., claiming that Figueroa had a gun on a bus bound for Blythewood High School.

School resource officers at Blythewood and RCSD deputies located the bus and detained Figueroa. Authorities said a loaded pistol was found in his bag. The gun was also not reported stolen.

“I want to recognize the student who texted 911,” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said in a statement. “That took courage, and it made a difference. Because of that student, we were able to intervene immediately and prevent a potentially dangerous situation.”

In a message sent to parents obtained by WIS, Blythewood High School Principal Ralph Schmidt said the gun was “displayed” to several other students on the bus. He also commended the student who texted 911 and encouraged parents to help.

“Please routinely check clothing, pockets, purses, and backpacks for prohibited items. Students should never have prohibited items on the bus or school grounds, and they may face serious district and legal consequences when they do,” Schmidt wrote.

He also asked parents to remind students that if they see something that is not right, then they should say something to a trusted adult.

Figueroa was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. He was granted a $1,500 bond after a hearing on Monday. Records show he remains in jail.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

FULL MESSAGE FROM BLYTHEWOOD PRINCIPAL RALPH SCHMIDT

Good Morning, Blythewood High School,

I’m reaching out with some important information to share. This morning, a student displayed a loaded gun to several other students while riding the bus. A student promptly contacted 911 to report the situation. We commend this student for taking immediate action to help keep themselves and others safe.

When the bus arrived at the school, several Richland County Sheriff’s Deputies and the school’s SRO were already present in the bus loop. The student was quickly detained and taken into custody. At no time were students threatened with the weapon.

In accordance with state and federal laws, as well as district policy, possession of a firearm on school grounds carries serious consequences, including the possibility of expulsion for no less than one year. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

Occurrences like this cause alarm, and I wanted to ensure you were informed about this discovery and that you had accurate information. The safety of our students is my top priority.

Parents, we need your help. Please routinely check clothing, pockets, purses, and backpacks for prohibited items. Students should never have prohibited items on the bus or school grounds, and they may face serious district and legal consequences when they do.

Remind your students that if they See Something that is not right, they should Say Something to a trusted school adult, such as a bus driver, teacher, administrator, or you. As a reminder, the following is a list of items students cannot have at school. Please make sure your students are familiar with this list.

• Drugs of any kind - including prescription drugs  
• Drug paraphernalia  
• Alcohol 
• Knives 
• Firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories
• Replica guns, toy guns, airsoft and BB guns (shoot either plastic or metal pellets)
• Pornography
• Tobacco
• Material that is intended, or could reasonably be perceived, to be harassing or discriminatory
• Explosive pyrotechnic devices
• Aerosol sunscreen products 

If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or our administrative team. We’re here to listen and ensure our buses and school remain safe.

We Are… Bengal Nation!!!!

Ralph Schmidt

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.