GULFPORT, Fla. — A school resource officer at a high school in Gulfport arrested a 17-year-old student on campus Wednesday after finding a handgun in the student's possession, according to Gulfport Police.
- SRO found gun in student's backpack
- Other students tipped SRO that student may have had drugs on him
- Student never displayed or threatened to use weapon
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Authorities said the officer and school administrators acted on a tip that the student, who we are not naming in accordance with our Crime Guidelines, may have had drugs in his possession. When they conducted a search, they found a loaded, .40 caliber Glock handgun in the student's backpack.
The officer seized the weapon and arrested the student immediately. No drugs were found to be in the student's possession.
The student reportedly never displayed or threatened to use the gun, according to police. When asked about the weapon, the student said he bought it from a friend for personal protection.
The student has been charged with felony possession of a weapon and ammunition on school property. The investigation continues.