slideshow

EASLEY—An Easley High student has been arrested and expelled after weapons and ammunition were found in his vehicle on campus on Monday.

Easley police arrested 17-year old Hunter Green and charged him with possession of firearm on school property at around 10:30 a.m.

Green is currently at the Easley Law Enforcement Center awaiting a bond hearing.

The incident comes just days after an elementary school shooting in Newtown, CT killed 26 people.

District officials released a statement describing the incident as “unfortunate.”

“The timing of this incident is extremely unfortunate, but there is no indication that there was ever an intended threat to the school,” Public Information Specialist John Eby said. “We commend the student who came forward with the information and the staff members who responded quickly to ensure the safety of Easley High.”

Items found in the vehicle included; two wooden handle axes, a pair of handcuffs, a stun gun, a razor blade knife, nine knives of various sizes, over 200 rounds of assorted ammunition and a .22 caliber H&R Revolver.

Eby said a student informed administration of the vehicle.

“This morning at Easley High School, a student told a teacher that she was aware of guns and ammunition in another student’s car on campus,” Eby said. “Upon searching the car, school staff found that the student did have weapons and ammunition in the car.”

Green was automatically expelled.

“The student has been arrested and will be automatically expelled for at least 365 days,” Eby said. “It appears that the guns were left in the car after being used for hunting and recreation and were not taken to the school with the intent to harm anyone. However, bringing weapons on school grounds violates state law, and the school district has a zero-tolerance policy towards weapons on school grounds.”

Easley Principal Tim Mullis said the student apparently forgot to clear his car after hunting.

“It was a student who likes to hunt,” Mullis said. “He didn’t unload his car before he came to school, and another student overheard him talk about it.”

“We’re very thankful that the student came and told us,” he said. “It’s unfortunate.”

Pickens County Superintendent Kelly Pew visited all schools on Monday to discuss safety measures in wake of the Connecticut shooting.