A Harlem High School student was arrested Tuesday after police discovered a stun gun and pepper spray in her backpack during class.
Savanna Arlynn Mobley, 17, was charged with possession of a weapon on school property, according to Columbia County authorities. An arrest warrant describes the stun gun as blue in color.
In a letter sent to parents Tuesday afternoon, Harlem High School Principal Casey Dees emphasized that no threats were made toward students, staff, or the school.
“Administration received a report that the student may possibly be in possession of these items,” Dees wrote. “Columbia County School District Police responded immediately and upon further investigation, the items were discovered in the student’s bookbag in class.”
School officials said the items were immediately secured, and Mobley is facing both criminal charges and disciplinary consequences in accordance with the district’s Code of Conduct.
Principal Dees used the opportunity to urge parents to talk with their children about what items are inappropriate to bring to school, on the bus, or to school-sponsored events.
“Safety of students and staff is a top priority,” he said. “We take incidents such as these extremely seriously and will investigate fully.”
The district also reminded students and families to report any suspicious behavior to school officials or the Columbia County School District Police Department.
“If you see something, say something,” Dees concluded. “Working together we can continue to provide a safe, positive environment for students and staff.”
