DALLAS, GA. (AP) -- Paulding County authorities say an 11-year-old boy is facing a weapons charge after he was caught with a gun in his backpack at school.
Students told administrators at East Paulding Middle School on Monday that the boy had the gun. The school officials then alerted the Paulding County Sheriff's Office that the student had the handgun. A resource officer responded at the school and found the .40 caliber gun in the boy's bookbag.
The weapon was taken from the student without incident and he was transported to the sheriff's office and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds. A juvenile judge has released the student into his mother's custody.
Dougherty County School System Police Chief Troy Conley says there is a zero tolerance policy. "The Dougherty County School System complies with state law providing for zero tolerance for offensive weapons of any type on any school property," says Conley. "Those violating the law are arrested and charged with applicable charges. The DCSS Police takes proactive measures to insure the safety of all children, staff and visitors."
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