News Summary
Police arrested three men at the College of Charleston after discovering them unconscious in a vehicle containing five firearms. The men face charges for carrying weapons on school property after being found intoxicated. Although they were released without charges due to the judge’s decision linking to probable cause, the incident raises significant concerns over gun safety in educational environments amidst South Carolina’s permitless carry law.
Charleston, SC — Three men were arrested on Sunday morning after being discovered unconscious in a vehicle containing multiple firearms at the College of Charleston campus. The individuals, identified as 22-year-olds Jorge Antonio Calvario and A’tavious Sincere Flowers, along with 23-year-old J’marri Aisian McCall, are facing charges of carrying weapons on school property.
The College of Charleston Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the PG Parking Garage on St. Philip Street at approximately 2:38 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found the three men inside the vehicle, apparently unconscious and exhibiting signs of intoxication.
Upon examination of the vehicle, officers discovered that the driver, A’tavious Flowers, was found with an AR-style rifle against his shoulder and a handgun positioned in the center console. Jorge Calvario was located in the backseat with a handgun found between his legs. As the officers approached the vehicle, they noticed that all the individuals appeared unsteady, had red glassy eyes, and a distinct smell of alcohol on their breath.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a total of five firearms, which included two AR-style rifles and three Glock handguns. In addition to the firearms, officers located various types of ammunition: 35 rounds of 10mm, 14 rounds of .45 ACP, 184 rounds of .300 Blackout AAC, and five 7.62mm rifle magazines. The firearms and ammunition will be held for 90 days as investigators continue their inquiries into the incident.
After their arrest, the men were transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center. They were placed on a trespass notice from all College of Charleston properties, likely in connection with the unlawfully possessing weapons on campus. However, they were released from custody a few hours later following a morning bond hearing.
A magistrate judge declined to sign the arrest warrants against the three men, leading to the relinquishment of pending charges. This decision has raised questions, as it likely stems from a perceived lack of probable cause in the case. Under South Carolina’s permitless carry law, individuals can carry firearms openly without a permit, but it remains illegal to carry firearms on school campuses.
The College of Charleston administration has not commented publicly on the incident, and it remains uncertain whether additional charges will be pursued as investigations continue. The police department will look into the circumstances surrounding the incident as well as the implications of the seizure of the firearms.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding gun safety and regulations in educational settings, especially following the enforcement of the permitless carry law in South Carolina. The laws surrounding firearms and their presence on school property are strict, aiming to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
The College of Charleston community awaits further details regarding the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal actions that may be taken against the individuals involved.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Fits News
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- Count On 2 News
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Gun Control
- Google Search: Charleston gun laws
- Google Scholar: gun regulations South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Charleston gun incident
