Murfreesboro, TN - An extensive search revealed a loaded handgun in the backpack of an Oakland High School student. This Rutherford County School system placed in secure hold.

School spokesman James Evans explained, “We had reports that a high school student may have a weapon, possibly a gun, and so we put the school on a secure hold so we could stop movement and investigate. We also placed the nearby middle school on a precautionary hold, which is standard procedure.” 

The student was located and searched.

The initial search revealed no gun.

Evans notes, "However, he did have an empty holster in his backpack but no weapons.” 

Prior to finding the loaded weapon, law enforcement continued a search inside the school, checked security camera footage, and interviewed witnesses. In addition, they conducted a search outside of the building where students walk between classes. 

Evans stressed, “We know these situations can be alarming to parents, but please know we always take them extremely seriously and have extensive safety protocols in place, which is what we did Friday.” 

A felony arrest was made of the student and he was taken to the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center.