S.C. man charged after gun goes off in class

[March 06, 2009]  ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina technical college student was arrested after authorities said a gun went off in his pocket during class.

Reports released by police Thursday show the 19-year-old student originally said the gun fell from his pocket and went off during class at York Technical College on Wednesday.

But reports show the man later changed his story to say he was holding the gun and accidentally pulled the trigger. No one was injured.

Police found the .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun in the trunk of his mother's car. Officers said they don't think he wanted to hurt anyone.

The man was charged with carrying a weapon on school property, carrying a pistol unlawfully and discharging a firearm within city limits. He's been suspended from school.

[Associated Press]

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