Student arrested after loaded firearm found at Whiteville High School

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Whiteville High School student was taken into custody Monday morning after a loaded firearm was discovered in his backpack during routine security checks, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 8:20 a.m, a school resource officer was conducting routine patrol at Whiteville High School, located at 413 North Lee Street, when the school secretary reported finding the firearm during bag checks at the front entrance.

The SRO secured the weapon, identified as a black Taurus G2 9mm handgun, while the student remained unaware of its discovery. The student, identified as Tyquan Dreshaun Davis, 19, was taken into custody and searched to ensure no additional weapons were present.

The sheriff’s office says during questioning, Davis denied knowledge of the firearm, stating it belonged to a relative. He also confirmed that there were no other weapons on campus and that he had no intent to use the firearm. The SRO transported Davis to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center.

Davis was charged with possession of a firearm on school campus and was issued a $5,000 secured bond by the magistrate.