Two juveniles arrested at Thomas Heyward Academy, SLED assumes control of investigation

RIDGELAND, S.C. (WTOC) - The Ridgeland Police Department has requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assume the lead role in investigating a Feb. 6, 2026, incident involving the arrest of two juveniles at Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland.

The request was made due to concerns identified during the investigation, including the immediate notification of law enforcement as mandated by law, as well as other alleged incidents discovered that required immediate notification as well, according to Police Chief Richard V. Woods.

The two juveniles arrested on Feb. 6 will appear before a family court judge in Jasper County on March 26.

WTOC has reached out to SLED for further details and will update this article as more information becomes available.