May 25, 2013
Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013
BARNWELL, S.C. (WRDW) -- Barnwell District 45 schools went into lockdown on Thursday after a nearby home invasion.
Superintendent Roy Sapough says Barnwell Primary, Barnwell Elementary, Guinyard-Butler Middle and Barnwell High went into lockdown while law enforcement searched for a suspect.
Barnwell Police Chief Todd Gantt says 32-year-old Frank Nelams and a 13-year-old broke into a home around 9 a.m. near the primary school. One of he suspects allegedly pointed a gun at the resident.
The 13-year-old was quickly found and taken into custody. He was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Until police had Nelams in custody, they locked down schools as a precaution.
Nelams was arrested within 30 minutes and the schools were taken off lockdown. He is charged with burglary in the first degree, larceny and pointing and presenting a firearm. Additional charges could be coming.
Neither suspect was said to be on school grounds at any point.
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