Charleston police arrest 21-year-old after shots fired near C.E. Williams Middle School

Charleston, South Carolina – The first morning of classes at a West Ashley middle school brought an unexpected security response Tuesday after police investigated reports of gunfire just beyond the school grounds.

The situation was brief, and police said there was no active threat to students or staff. Still, the incident prompted C.E. Williams Middle School’s North Campus to enter secure status while officers worked nearby.

Charleston Police said officers were called to the 1800 Ashley West Apartments on William Kennerty Drive at about 9:20 a.m. after construction workers in the area reported hearing what sounded like gunshots.

When officers arrived, they located two people connected to the situation. Investigators determined that a recently purchased firearm had been discharged into a wooded area near the apartment complex.

Zavion Blanding, 21, of Charleston, was arrested and charged with firing a weapon within city limits.

Because the reported gunfire occurred close to C.E. Williams Middle School’s North Campus, police said the school was temporarily placed on secure status as a precaution. The measure remained in effect while officers completed their investigation and confirmed that the incident did not involve the campus.

“The incident occurred off school property, and officers determined there was no active threat to the school. Students and staff were not involved in the incident,” police said in a statement, WCSC reported.

The timing made the response particularly notable, coming during the first morning of classes when students, families and school employees were beginning the new academic year.

Authorities did not report any injuries in connection with the gunfire. Based on the information released by police, the weapon was fired toward a wooded area rather than toward the school.

Once officers determined there was no continuing danger, the precautionary school security response was no longer needed.

Blanding was taken into custody and booked at the Al Cannon Detention Center. He was expected to remain there pending a bond hearing.

A mugshot for Blanding was not immediately available.

The investigation centered on activity at the apartment complex rather than the nearby school, but the proximity of the gunfire led officers to take additional precautions until they could establish what had happened and determine whether students or staff faced any danger.