Police: Loaded Gun Found in Book Bag of Glen Burnie Student

A 15-year-old student was apprehended by authorities and transported to a juvenile detention center after Glen Burnie High School officials found a loaded handgun in the boy's book bag around noon Tuesday.

Anne Arundel County police said they seized a loaded .22-caliber handgun and seven rounds after the boy returned to school after leaving campus earlier in the day. When a school employee saw the boy return to campus, he was escorted to the office and questioned by school officials.

Administrators reportedly searched his book bag and discovered the gun, and then called the school resource officer for assistance. Police charged the boy, who is not being identified, as a juvenile with weapons violations.

"The initial investigation indicates that no other student was involved and the student with the gun did not display the weapon or threaten anyone with the weapon," according to an AACOPD press release.

Police said they are investigating how the boy obtained the weapon and why he was returning to school.

Principal Vickie Plitt said the school will try to answer questions from parents, but will be limited by confidentiality laws. Still, Plitt said the student will face consequences from Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

"Possession of a weapon is a clear violation of our code of student conduct," Plitt said in a letter to parents, posted online after students left for the day. "In addition to any charges being placed by police, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the student involved."

She also recognized the school employees who questioned the student.

"I want to commend the swift and thorough work of the secretary and other staff members involved," Plitt said. "Because of their quick and wise decisions, what could have been an incredibly dangerous situation was averted."