FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Statesville High School student faces a felony charge after a school resources officer found a loaded handgun in the student’s backpack on Monday morning.

About 8:50 a.m. Monday, school personnel alerted the Statesville Police Department Officer assigned to the school that a 16-year-old student had triggered the metal detector while entering the school, according to an SPD news release.

Following the school’s safety protocols, the student’s backpack was searched, leading to the discovery of a loaded 9mm handgun, police said.

The firearm was seized and secured without incident, according to the news release.

No injuries or threats to other students or staff were reported.

The SPD, in conjunction with Iredell-Statesville Schools administrators, began an investigation.

The student, whose name was not released, was charged with felony possession of a firearm on educational property. In addition to criminal charges, the student faces disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.