A 16-year-old student was taken into custody after bringing a firearm to Battery Creek High School in Beaufort County, S.C., as officials have disclosed.

The school assured there were no explicit threats to students or faculty. In an email sent to parents, it was noted that students caught with weapons on campus will face “severe consequences, including criminal charges.”

The student was apprehended by the School Resource Officer (SRO) and subsequently taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ), according to a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.

A school representative reiterated in an email to parents that possessing a weapon on campus is a grave violation that leads to disciplinary and legal measures. All campuses within the Beaufort County School District prohibit weapons.

There will be an increased law enforcement presences and extra support staff on campus this week.

The spokesperson said that if anyone ever become aware of a potential threat to immediately report it to law enforcement or school administration.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) emphasized the importance of conversations between parents and children about the seriousness of such incidents, encouraging them to report any knowledge of weapons on school premises to school authorities promptly.

If you have additional concerns, officials ask that you reach out to school administration.

Suspicious or criminal activities can be reported to the BCSO’s non-emergency line at 843-524-2777. For anonymous reporting, tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through the P3 Tips app, at tipsbft.com, or by calling 1-888-274-7884 (1-888-TIPS-BFT).