Oakland Co. Teen Caught With Loaded Handgun Did Not Plan To Shoot Up School: Police

SOUTHFIELD, MI — Police do not believe a student who was caught with a handgun inside an Oakland County high school was planning to shoot up the school, Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren told reporters Tuesday.

Rather, police believe the student was carrying the handgun in self-defense because he was having problems with other teens.

Officers found the 15-year-old student carrying a handgun in his waistband in the bathroom Monday at Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology, according to police.

After a brief struggle, officers took the gun from the student, according to police.

Police said the gun was fully loaded and there was a round in the chamber.

Investigators traced the gun to a Detroit home where they believe the teen took the gun without permission from the owner, according to police.

The 15-year-old was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing and possession of a weapon in a weapons-free school zone.

The teen was placed in a juvenile facility without bond.

The gun owner may also face charges in connection with the incident, according to police.