By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff

EASLEY — A 17-year-old Easley High student was expelled from school Monday and charged by police after weapons, including a loaded handgun, were found in his car on campus.

Hunter Green was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, according to Maj. Tim Tollison of the Easley Police Department.

According to School District of Pickens County spokesman John Eby, a concerned student informed an EHS faculty member that another student had weapons and ammunition in his car.

Tollison, along with other EPD officers, met with SDPC officials at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning after the student’s tip.

Officials searched Green’s vehicle and found numerous weapons, including a loaded .22 caliber handgun, Tollison said.

In addition to the loaded .22 caliber revolver, the search revealed two wooden-handled axes, a pair of handcuffs, a stun gun, a razor blade knife, nine additional knives of various sizes and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

“It appears that the gun was left in the car after being used for hunting and recreation and was not taken to the school with the intent to harm anyone,” Eby said. “However, bringing weapons on school grounds violates state law, and the school district has a zero-tolerance policy towards weapons on school grounds.”

Because of the district’s zero-tolerance policy, in addition to criminal charges, Green was expelled from school for at least 365 days, pursuant to district policy.
The incident came just three days after a school massacre in Connecticut claimed the lives of 27 people, including 20 schoolchildren.

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