Ridgeland, August 22, 2025
News Summary
A university student from Ridgeland has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to threatening behavior involving a firearm at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The incident, occurring during a dispute about an emotional support dog, raised significant safety concerns, leading to a legal proceeding that resulted in probation, a campus ban, and a requirement to complete a gun safety course. This serves as a reminder of the legal implications surrounding firearms on educational properties.
Ridgeland
Cooper Ellis Bonds, a 19-year-old from Ridgeland, has been sentenced to one year of probation after pleading guilty to pointing and presenting firearms at a person. The conviction, which occurred on August 12, 2023, comes as a result of an incident that took place on the campus of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) on February 20. Bonds was also banned from the USCB campus as part of his sentence.
The charges were part of a larger case where Bonds initially faced three counts, two of which were dismissed during the legal proceedings. He not only received probation but was also ordered to complete a gun safety class, as mandated by the court under South Carolina’s Youthful Offender Act. This legislation allows for less severe penalties for young defendants with no prior violent crime records.
The incident unfolded during a dispute over a student’s emotional support dog inside a dorm room on the Bluffton campus of USCB. Bonds was invited to the campus by friends, who noticed that he was carrying a Smith & Wesson pistol in his waistband. Concerned for their safety, they advised him to leave the weapon in his vehicle; however, Bonds refused their suggestion.
Tensions escalated during the argument, leading Bonds to allegedly threaten to shoot the emotional support dog. Reports indicate that he displayed his weapon by drawing it from the kitchen counter and chambered a round while “flagging” the firearm around the room in the presence of multiple witnesses.
Following the incident, Bonds was interviewed by the police, during which he denied pointing the gun at anyone, claiming that he only aimed it at the floor or ceiling. He further stated that he was unaware of the legal restrictions regarding possessing a firearm on school property.
After agreeing to turn himself in at Beaufort County police facilities, Bonds was arrested for his actions. Additionally, he faces a pending charge of unlawfully carrying a pistol stemming from this incident, although there is currently no timeline for his adjudication.
Violating the terms of his probation could potentially lead to a five-year prison sentence. As the situation unfolds, the maternal community at USCB, which serves approximately 2,000 students across its two campuses in Beaufort and Bluffton, will be watching closely as the fall semester approaches.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the legal implications of carrying firearms on educational properties, especially for young adults who may not be aware of the laws governing such matters. Students and faculty alike are hoping for a peaceful academic year free from similar occurrences.
Summary of Key Details
- Defendant: Cooper Ellis Bonds, 19, Ridgeland
- Conviction: Pointing and presenting firearms at a person
- Date of Conviction: August 12, 2023
- Incident Date: February 20, 2023
- Sentence: 1 year probation, banned from USCB campus, mandatory gun safety class
- Upcoming Charges: Unlawfully carrying a pistol
- Potential Prison Time: Up to 5 years for probation violation
- USCB Student Population: Approximately 2,000
FAQ Section
What was Cooper Ellis Bonds convicted of?
Bonds was convicted of pointing and presenting firearms at a person, which is a felony under South Carolina law.
What are the terms of Bonds’ probation?
Bonds was sentenced to one year of probation, banned from the University of South Carolina Beaufort campus, and is required to complete a gun safety class.
What could happen if Bonds violates probation?
If Bonds violates the conditions of his probation, he could face up to five years in prison.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Cooper Ellis Bonds, 19, from Ridgeland |
| Conviction | Pointing and presenting firearms at a person |
| Date of Incident | February 20, 2023 |
| Date of Conviction | August 12, 2023 |
| Probation Duration | One year |
| Bans | Banned from USCB campus |
| Training Required | Gun safety class |
| Potential Prison Time | Five years for probation violation |
| USCB Student Population | Approximately 2,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bluffton Woman Sentenced to Six Years for Attempted Murder
Border Patrol Sparks Controversy in Los Angeles
Florida’s Black Bear Hunt Receives Approval Amid Debate
Gunman Kills Officer in CDC Headquarters Shooting
Tragic Shooting at CDC Headquarters Leaves Community Shocked
Tragic Shooting Outside CDC Headquarters Raises Safety Concerns
17-Year-Old Arrested After Shooting in Times Square
Army Sergeant in Custody After Shooting at Fort Stewart
Life Sentence for Nayquan Gadson in Hilton Head Murder Case
Tennessee Man Arrested with Multiple Explosive Devices
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Crime Article 302941089
- Wikipedia: Firearm Violence
- Live 5 News: Beaufort Shooting Arrest
- Google Search: Beaufort shooting news
- Emissourian: Beaufort Man Gun Charge
- Google Scholar: Firearm Law South Carolina
- Your Island News: Garden Oaks Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- ABC News 4: Bluffton Man Sentenced
- Google News: Beaufort Crime
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
