STATESBORO, Ga. () — A student was arrested after being found in possession of a handgun at Statesboro High School during a pre-planned safety search Thursday, the Statesboro Police Department (SPD) said.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested and taken to a youth detention facility and was charged with carrying a weapon in a school safety zone (felony) and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.

SPD officers and K9’s assigned to Special Investigations, along with K9’s from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) executed a pre-planned search in coordination with school administration.

The search was designed to ensure student safety by uncovering weapons or contraband items.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Bulloch County Schools put out a statement on social media:

“Our school district has communicated with all of our students’ families across the district about today’s incident at Statesboro High School.”

Information regarding this case may be provided to Officer Kyle Wright at 912-764-9911 or by submitting an anonymous tip through the SPD website using the “Submit a Tip” link.