Teacher's gun spotted on car's hood at MB school

By Claudia Lauer and Kurt Knapek - clauer@thesunnews.com, kknapek@thesunnews.com

A teacher at Myrtle Beach High School was suspended with pay after the school district said she accidentally brought a loaded gun to the school Tuesday morning.

"She was placed on administrative leave with pay, which is standard for any investigation that involves serious allegations," said Horry County Schools Spokeswoman Teal Britton.

The school district does not release the names of employees involved in disciplinary actions, Britton said. The teacher has worked 31 years for Horry County Schools, Britton said.

The teacher drove her husband's pickup truck to work Tuesday, according to a Myrtle Beach police report.

Her husband reminded her to remove the weapon before leaving home, Britton said.

The woman told police that her husband carries a gun in his vehicle for hunting purposes.

Britton said the teacher did remove the gun but left it on the hood and forgot about it.

A visitor to the school saw it and reported it to school authorities, Britton said.

Police are investigating, according to Capt. David Knipes of the Myrtle Beach Police Department. He said no charges have been filed.

The school's principal, Nona Kerr, met with staff Tuesday afternoon to discuss what happened, and Britton said she sent automated phone messages Tuesday to tell parents about the incident. Contact CLAUDIA LAUER at 626-0301.