North Charleston, South Carolina. A North Charleston police officer drew his pistol on a Fort Dorchester High School student Thursday morning after receiving information that the boy was carrying a gun on campus.
Police said a staff member informed the school resource officer that a student claimed to have a firearm. According to the department, when the officer approached the student in the cafeteria, he was informed that he possessed a firearm.
Police say the officer then drew his revolver and ordered the student to the ground. No one was injured, and no weapons were discovered.
Attorney Jerod Frazier, who represents the family, stated that the 16-year-old with autism was referring to his handheld Nintendo Switch game console when he said “a switch.”
Frazier stated that when addressed, the teen instantly obeyed.
“The officer didn’t even find the gaming console, much less a weapon, which was right there in his jacket pocket,” Frazier told the reporter. “This was unprovoked, and he did nothing to deserve that.”
Wanda Murray, the student’s grandmother, said the family hurried to the school when they learned what had happened.
“He’s traumatized,” Murray added. “It’s been a very challenging experience for him, one he’s never had before. We’re spending our time soothing and encouraging him that everything will be fine.”
According to the family, the incident has made the student terrified to return to school, and they want to check body-camera and cafeteria surveillance footage from that morning.
North Charleston police stated that the investigation is ongoing and that no charges have been filed. Dorchester District Two stated that safety standards were followed and that extra personnel were sent in to assist students and teachers throughout the day.
