On August 13, 2024, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office received information about a weapon on East Burke Middle School campus. Statements were taken from several witnesses who indicated that Tommy Lee McKinney came to East Burke Middle School to pick up his stepson. When McKinney exited his Dodge truck, he started cursing at the witnesses. A witness noticed a holster on his right hip, that contained a revolver. Deputies responded quickly, but McKinney had already left the school property. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office and Burke County Probation Officers went to McKinney’s residence the following day to conduct a search based on the information provided the previous day. The firearm was located in McKinney’s vehicle during the search. The offender was taken into custody and charged with Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon, Felony Probation Violation, and Felony Weapons on Educational Property. McKinney was taken to the Magistrate’s Office, where he received a $30,000 secured bond and his first court date was on August 15, 2024.
