After arriving home from school, a White Knoll High School student reported to a parent the student saw three individuals turn into the bus entrance at White Knoll High. The student also told his/her parent that he/she believed the individuals had a weapon.
The student’s parent called the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and reported the incident.
The Sheriff’s Department then contacted school and district administrators and alerted them to the incident. They also provided the district with regular updates as they pursued their investigation.
Deputies have arrested James Edward Folk, 18, for bringing a firearm on school property. Folk and an acquaintance were seen driving on to White Knoll High School grounds after being observed in possession of a shotgun at a nearby business.
Detectives determined during their investigation an eyewitness saw Folk with a weapon at a business near White Knoll High School before witnessing him immediately drive on to school property.
“Investigators were able to use Snapchat video and school security camera footage to identify these suspects,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Shortly after noon August 27, Folk was seen picking up a student from White Knoll High; the student was not permitted to leave campus.”
“Earlier in the day, Folk’s acquaintance also posted a photo and video of him and his friends holding firearms in his vehicle,” Koon said.
Deputies later tracked down Folk with the help of witnesses, according to Koon.
The case is still under investigation. An additional suspect has been charged, whose name will not be stated because he is 17 or younger. The minor has been released to the custody of his parents.
