Police: Boy, 13, caught with loaded gun at middle school

BESSEMER, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say a 13-year-old boy has been caught with a loaded gun at an Alabama school and taken into custody.

Police Chief Mike Roper says the student was arrested at Bessemer City Middle School on Thursday around 12:30 p.m.

Al.com reports the investigation began when a school resource officer received information that the boy was in possession of the weapon. Police and school officials found the loaded firearm in the student’s backpack. Roper says the school was placed on lockdown while school officials carried out additional searches.

The student is initially being charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol. It’s unclear if he has a lawyer who could comment.