COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina mother is facing charges after her 6-year-old son was discovered with a loaded firearm on a school bus this week.
What Happened
The incident took place Tuesday morning at JP Thomas Elementary School in Richland County. Around 7:30 a.m., a school resource officer was alerted that the young student had a loaded gun in his possession on the bus. Officers immediately secured the weapon and removed it from the child.
Mother Called to School, Then Arrested
Following the discovery, deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department contacted the boy’s mother, 35-year-old Destar Hall, and asked her to come to the school. Once she arrived, she was taken into custody.
Investigators say the firearm — an AR-style pistol loaded with .556-caliber rounds — had not been properly secured at the family’s home, allowing the child to access it.
Charges Filed
Hall was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. She was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and is currently awaiting a bond hearing.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released further details about how the child obtained access to the weapon or whether additional charges may follow. The case remains under investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.