Gun found in teacher workroom with fully loaded magazine, deputy says

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — The Richland County Sheriff's Department (RCSD) is still investigating after a loaded gun was found in a secured teacher workroom at Round Top Elementary School.

According to an incident report, after being notified by an assistant principal, the School Resource Officer (SRO) found a Smith and Wesson on a table in the teacher's workroom just before 5 p.m. on December 11.

The gun had a fully loaded magazine, but no round was in the chamber, officials say.

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According to the report, when the custodian and assistant principal were asked who entered the workroom, surveillance video captured "many people did with bags and could not determine who did it."

No one had entered or exited the lounge since the SRO was notified, the report states.

According to Senior Chief Communications Officer Greg Turchetta, parents were sent this statement for school administration on Friday.

Dear Round Top Elementary families,

I am writing to let you know that after school a gun was found on campus in a staff workroom. The weapon was found by a member of our custodial staff around 5 pm and reported to a school administrator, who contacted the school resource officer. So far in the investigation, we do not have any evidence to indicate that anyone at school was threatened or harmed.

I know this is alarming to hear, so let me assure you that we addressed the situation swiftly and our students and employees are safe.

School and district leaders understand how concerning it is for parents and students to learn about a weapon on campus. We hope to have additional information to share tomorrow as the investigation continues throughout the night.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department is still investigating the incident.