Three individuals have been arrested for having weapons on school grounds in Candler County.
The Candler County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that deputies responded to Metter High School based on reports that a student may have had a firearm on campus. They say a social media post with a firearm being brandished inside of a vehicle prompted the reports.
Deputies began investigating as the vehicle was located on school property and determined that the incident occurred weeks prior, though the social media post was made on April 27. A total of three students were involved and ultimately arrested by Candler County deputies.
One 16-year-old juvenile, 18-year-old Alberto Rodriguez, and 18-year Edwin Valesco, all of Metter, were arrested and charged with carrying a weapon on school property, which is a felony offense.
The case will be forwarded to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for further action.
Candler County Sheriff John Miles thanks the students who reported the incident to authorities when they saw the post on social media. “We would also like to thank the Candler County School System officials for continuing to work with our office to ensure the safety of our children,” Miles said.
Candler County Superintendent Bubba Longgrear said Thursday:
“There was an incident that was brought to the attention of school administration yesterday afternoon. There was a video of an incident that surfaced that evidently took place several weeks ago. The video is of three young men sitting in a vehicle on MHS campus handling a pistol. Students reported the video when it became public. School Resource Officers immediately jumped into action and determined the reality of the situation.
The three students are being disciplined in the most significant manner. Thanks to the responsive students, Candler County Sheriff’s Office, and school administration for responding so efficiently and collaboratively in negative situation.”
