Substitute Teacher Arrested for Bringing Gun to Blythewood High School

The teacher claimed he forgot the weapon was in his bag, but was still charged with carrying a weapon on school property.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 37-year-old substitute teacher named Justin Fox was arrested on Monday after a gun was found in his bag at Blythewood High School in Columbia, South Carolina. School officials discovered the weapon after a metal detector was activated, and the Richland County Sheriff's Department later responded to secure the firearm and detain Fox.

Why it matters

Bringing firearms onto school campuses raises serious safety concerns and is illegal in most jurisdictions. This incident highlights the need for strict security protocols and gun policies in schools to protect students and staff.

The details

According to authorities, Justin Fox is the legal owner of the gun found in his possession. He reportedly told police that he had forgotten the weapon was in his bag. Fox was charged with carrying a weapon on school property and booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

  • The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • Fox was arrested and booked into the detention center around 4:35 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Justin Fox

A 37-year-old substitute teacher who was arrested for bringing a gun onto the Blythewood High School campus.

Richland County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and charged Fox with carrying a weapon on school property.

Blythewood High School

The high school in Columbia, South Carolina where the incident occurred.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to release Fox on bail at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of strict security measures and gun policies in schools to protect students, staff, and the broader community.