Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced the arrests of Lamar Watkins (DOB: 06/24/94) and a second suspect (a juvenile) for carrying weapons on school property.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 20, 2012, Watkins and the juvenile were arrested at 1701 Westchester Drive (Columbia High School).

Sheriff Leon Lott states that several students notified the School Resource Officer from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and a school administrator that they observed Watkins with the gun on school grounds. The Deputy went to remove Watkins from class and at that time Watkins passed the gun to another student who hid the gun. The gun was recovered in the juveniles’ waistband.

Sheriff Leon Lott would like to thank the concerned students of Columbia High School for being vigilant and having the courage to step up and do the right thing; with a desire to keeping their school safe. Sheriff Leon Lott states that Watkins and the juvenile have been transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.