Guns taken from students at two Charleston schools today

A 16-year-old at West Ashley High School is accused of having had a pistol and two rounds of ammunition in his pocket today, but officials say there was no indication the student planned to “commit any violent acts” on campus.

Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies charged the student with possession of a weapon on school grounds, unlawful carrying of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Deputies arrived at the school at 11:17 a.m. to pick up the student for juvenile court. That’s when they found the .25 caliber pistol, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The school district and city Police Department were advised of the incident.

A Charleston school spokesman said the student has been recommended for expulsion. Until a decision is made, the student cannot return to any Charleston County school. “The safety and security of our students and staff is our number one priority,” said Jason Sakran, a spokesman for the district. “The Charleston County School District continues to employ strategic security protocols to insure the safety and protection of all our schools.”

Also today, a 14-year-old boy was arrested after police said he had a BB pistol in his possession at Charleston Development Academy at 233 Line Street.

The juvenile is charged with the unlawful carrying of a weapon on school property.

He was taken into custody about 3:15 p.m., Charleston Police spokesman Charles Francis said. The boy is being held in the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center.

Another student saw him with the pistol, Francis said. That student notified school officials, who called police.

The investigation is ongoing, Francis said.