GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. – A 15-year-old Glynn Academy student was arrested Monday afternoon after a school resource officer and an administrator found a loaded 9mm handgun in the student's backpack, according to a Glynn County Schools spokesman.
A student provided the initial tip about noon Monday about a possible weapon on campus.
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The officer and an assistant principal found the suspected student and took the student and the backpack to a secure location where they searched the bag and found the gun, school officials said.
According to Glynn County Schools Police Chief Rod Ellis, a school lockdown was not called because the weapon was quickly discovered and secured.
“Calling a lockdown could have alerted the student and provided time to hide or discard the weapon,” Ellis said. “The officer and administrator responded immediately to the situation and secured the location without causing alarm. I commend them for their quick actions and sound judgment.”
The officer took the 15-year-old into custody and then remanded the student to Glynn County juvenile authorities. School administration notified the student’s parents.
In addition to charges that will be filed by the juvenile authorities, the student will face disciplinary actions which will likely include expulsion from the Glynn County School System.
“One of the most effective means of preventing a situation on campus is creating an environment where everyone -- students, faculty, staff and visitors -- takes ownership and steps forward when they hear something or sense that something isn’t right,” Ellis said. “That’s exactly what happened here. The student that provided the information should feel proud of taking action and helping to prevent what could have been a much more serious situation.”