Lexington, SC – A Sandhills Middle School cafeteria employee was taken into custody Monday afternoon after allegedly bringing a loaded firearm onto school property, prompting concerns among staff and administrators.
According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the incident unfolded after a district employee told school administrators they discovered a firearm inside one of the employee-designated bathrooms. Sheriff Jay Koon said the school resource officer was notified immediately.
The employee, identified in the arrest warrant as Andrea Brooks, 43, allegedly acknowledged leaving the firearm behind after realizing he still had it on him earlier that day. Authorities said the bathroom was locked off to students, preventing any access before deputies retrieved the weapon.
School officials placed Brooks on administrative leave following the discovery. Deputies took him into custody at the school later Monday afternoon. According to the sheriff’s department, Brooks is charged with carrying a weapon on school property and is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.
No threats were made, and no injuries were reported during the incident, Sheriff Koon said. The school district has not released additional comments but confirmed that safety protocols were followed once the firearm was reported.
Parents in Lexington County continue to express heightened concern surrounding school safety following recent regional incidents, making Monday’s arrest a topic of widespread local discussion. Officials have not indicated whether additional charges are being considered as the investigation continues.
Authorities did not release details about the type of firearm involved or how long it may have been in the school bathroom before discovery.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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