School resource officer accidentally discharges gun at Peach County High School
No students or staff were injured in the incident, and normal school operations were not disrupted.
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A firearm belonging to a school resource officer was accidentally discharged this morning while the officer was preparing for duty in an area of the school that is restricted to students, according to a statement from Sheriff Buck Shannon.
No students or staff were injured in the incident, and normal school operations were not disrupted.
“The Deputy is okay but he’s concerned about the students, and is very sorry this incident happened,” the sheriff’s office shared in a Facebook post. An internal investigation has been opened by the Peach County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division.
While no physical harm occurred, the incident has sparked concern among community members and parents on social media.
Andrea Cochran, a local resident, commented:
“Thank goodness no one was injured or killed! So a person who is on campus to protect our children could’ve killed one of them today. ‘Location restricted to students’ just makes this scenario sound less serious than it really was! The word ‘school’ makes it serious whether students are present or not. Negligent discharge of a firearm at a school sounds pretty serious to me!”
Another user, John Comrade, echoed those concerns:
“I believe the term is negligent discharge, but I get that we’re trying to pretend that the cop is somehow not at fault and shouldn’t be removed from duty immediately. I’m glad no students were hurt.”
Stephanie Osburn, a parent of a student at Peach County High School, added a response:
“Thank you Buck for this, there has been too much attention drawn at PCHS, involving guns, and as a parent to a student there it makes me feel very uneasy for the safety of my children when I get these text messages while I’m at work. I am thankful no one was hurt during this incident.”
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the officer involved or the circumstances that led to the discharge. Sheriff Shannon expressed his appreciation to the public and emphasized the commitment to a thorough investigation.
