HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Highland Springs High School was placed on lockdown Friday afternoon after a loaded gun was discovered inside the backpack of a student.
In a letter to parents, school administration said they received a tip about the gun from someone inside the school.
“The item was immediately confiscated by police, and to the best of our knowledge it was never brandished or used in a threatening manner,” said school administrators in the letter.
The investigation caused Highland Springs High and the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs to be placed on lockdown until dismissal.
“During this time classroom instruction continued normally until dismissal,” said school officials.
Henrico Police have charged a 16-year-old juvenile with possession of a firearm on school property in connection to the incident.
School administrators said they will continue to work directly with the individuals believed to be involved, and their families, as the investigation continues.
“We encourage students, their families and community members to come forward when they see or hear something that may impact or involve school safety,” the letter continued. “Please help us by taking this moment to speak with your student(s) about the importance of a safe and secure school environment.”
Stay with CBS 6 for the latest on this developing story.