Student Charged With Carrying Weapon at Hickman High

Sanji Ellis faces charges following a traffic stop on September 4 where officers allegedly discovered a handgun.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a school building silhouette, evoking the gravity of school safety concerns in a geometric style. — Sanji Ellis faces criminal charges after police allegedly discovered a loaded handgun in his vehicle near Hickman High School on September 4. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Police charged Sanji Ellis with carrying a loaded weapon onto Hickman High School property on September 4, 2026. Authorities initiated the stop on Vandiver Drive after noticing a 2013 Honda CR-V with a broken taillight and missing rear window.

Why it matters

The incident occurred amidst a string of weapon-related concerns in Columbia schools, including discoveries at two different high schools throughout September. These events have prompted community discussions regarding school safety protocols.

Sanji Ellis posted a $1,500 bond on Sept. 8 after being charged with carrying a loaded weapon. An initial court appearance for the defendant is scheduled for Tuesday.

The players

Sanji Ellis

The individual charged with carrying a loaded weapon onto school premises.

Hickman High School

A public secondary school in Columbia where the weapon possession incident took place.

Rock Bridge High School

A public secondary school in Columbia that experienced a separate weapon recovery incident.

The details

During a traffic stop for a vehicle with a broken taillight and no rear window, officers allegedly found a handgun with a loaded magazine on Sanji Ellis. This case follows a September 16 incident where a gun was found in a student vehicle at Rock Bridge High School and a September 28 discovery of a firearm in a student backpack at Hickman High School.

September 4, 2026: The alleged incident of weapon possession occurred.
September 8, 2026: Sanji Ellis posted a $1,500 bond.
September 16, 2026: A separate gun was recovered at Rock Bridge High School.
September 28, 2026: A student at Hickman High School was found with a gun.
Tuesday: Sanji Ellis is scheduled for an initial court appearance.

Legal Context

This case follows a series of reported weapon discoveries on school grounds, reflecting a period of heightened campus security oversight in Columbia. Local authorities are managing a trend of isolated incidents that have necessitated recurring investigations and tightened campus policies.

The string of recent weapon-related reports may lead to an increased presence of safety personnel or updated screening procedures at Columbia school campuses. Parents and residents should remain informed of official communications regarding school security updates and safety advisories.

The takeaway

Maintaining clear communication with school administration is essential for parents and students during periods of elevated security concerns. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local authorities to support campus safety efforts.