Student charged after gun found in car at Carthage school

Published 9:55 am Thursday, September 5, 2024

From Staff Reports

CARTHAGE — A 17-year-old Panola Charter High School student was arrested this week after officials said he had a gun inside his car.

Panola County Sheriff Cutter Clinton said in a press release there was no reason to believe the incident was related to any school-related threat.

School officials notified the sheriff’s department around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday that a student was overheard discussing have a gun in his car, and a subsequent search of the car by school staff found a loaded .38 caliber handgun.

Clinton said the 17-year-old, who was not identified, was charged with possession of a firearm in a prohibited location and taken to the Panola County Detention Center.

The student was interviewed by criminal investigators, and the county’s mental health deputy conducted a crisis intervention follow-up, Clinton said.

“The PCSO prioritizes the safety of the campuses of each of our county’s Independent School Districts, and will take enforcement action and investigate measures regarding any incidents,” Clinton said. “We appreciate the partnerships we have with our school districts, and value the communication and cooperation received from administrators today.”