Temporary lockdown triggered after student caught with gun parts at Battery Creek High School

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - A student was found with inoperable gun parts on the campus of Battery Creek High School Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say the newly installed weapons detection device alerted when the 17-year-old male student entered the building at 1 Blue Dolphin Drive. School officials conducted a safety search of the student’s person and belongings, which resulted in the discovery of gun parts including an upper receiver to a rifle.

The School Resource Officer took possession of the items. The components were examined and determined to be inoperable.

As a precautionary measure, the school was temporarily placed on lockdown.

The student’s guardian responded to the school, and the juvenile was released into their custody. The student was not charged, but the items were placed into evidence for safekeeping. No injuries were reported, and no further incidents occurred.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that weapons are strictly prohibited on all Beaufort County School District campuses. The agency urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to have conversations with their children about the seriousness of incidents like this and the importance of immediately reporting any knowledge of weapons on school grounds to school staff.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activity. To report, call the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. To remain anonymous, tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 1-888-274-7884.