YORK, S.C., March 6 (UPI) -- A class at South Carolina's York Technical College was disrupted by an accidental discharge of a handgun carried by a student, police say.

Police in Rock Hill, S.C., said 19-year-old Jeremy Moffett carried a loaded semi-automatic Smith & Wesson handgun into one of the college's satellite buildings this week, The Rock Hill Herald said Friday.


During Wednesday's class at the Construction Trade Center, Moffett's firearm accidentally discharged and Moffett fled the classroom.

Police allege Moffett initially claimed the gun discharged when it fell from his pocket after he fell asleep during the class. Later, police said, Moffett changed his story and claimed he accidentally pulled the gun's trigger while holding it in is pocket.

Moffett denies making the second admission and told the Herald he is thankful no one was hurt in the classroom incident.

"When you hear 'rude awakening,' that was a rude awakening," said Moffett, who is facing three related gun charges. "I was scared. … I'm lucky, and I thank God … that nobody got hit."