Gun recovered from 12-year-old detained after discarding marijuana

RIDGELAND, S.C. (WTOC) - A 12-year-old was detained by Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputies after discarding marijuana and attempting to pull a gun on them just this morning, October 8, 2025, according to authorities.

In a social media post, the JCSO says deputies responded to the BP Station at Point South following a traffic stop.

Officials say this led to “the discovery of a 12-year-old juvenile attempting to discard marijuana.”

“When deputies moved to detain him,” the JCSO says in their post, “the juvenile attempted to pull a gun from his waistband.”

According to the JCSO, deputies “quickly and safely detained the juvenile and confiscated the firearm without any injuries.”

The JCSO also used this moment to address larger issues. “Incidents like this are deeply concerning and highlight the growing issue of young people becoming involved in criminal activity,” it says.

“The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with families, schools, and community partners to help guide our youth toward safer, more positive paths.”

When asked about what charges the child would face, WTOC was told by a JCSO spokesperson that, because of the child’s age, the charges have to be signed off by a family court judge.

Around 12:50 p.m. on October 8, WTOC was told the family court judge was currently unavailable, so the child is still in custody of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

Later, around 2:02 p.m., WTOC was informed the 12-year-old was charged with unlawful carry of a firearm and possession of marijuana.

He will be sent to the Juvenile Detention Center in Columbia.

WTOC is working to learn more and will provide more details as they become available.