SC Midlands elementary school employee arrested for bringing gun to school, sheriff says
A Midway Elementary School employee in the Lexington 1 school district has been arrested and placed on administrative leave after officials say the employee brought an unloaded gun to school.
The employee was arrested Friday by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department after another employee discovered the weapon before school began Friday morning, according to an email sent to parents Friday by Midway Principal Tim Carnahan.
“It appears that the weapon was in a box of supplies the employee brought into the classroom on Thursday,” Carnahan wrote, adding, “We are taking precautions so that the arrest is not made in front of students.”
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department identified the teacher as Seth Smith, 43. He is charged with possession of a firearm on school property.
“The school resource officer was notified after a district employee told school administrators they discovered a handgun in a classroom Friday morning before school started.” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said in a statement. “The pistol was located in the classroom assigned to Smith.
“Smith admitted to bringing the pistol to the school when he was storing boxes that he had brought from home Thursday,” said Koon. “He found the pistol inside one of the boxes and set it to the side to take back home but then forgot and left the firearm at the school overnight.”
“While the investigation continues, there is limited information that can be shared, but please know that school and district administrators are working with law enforcement to fully investigate and respond to the incident following state law, board policy and district procedures,” Carnahan’s email to parents said.
