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Pinellas County high school student arrested with loaded handgun on campus

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GULFPORT, Fla. — A Boca Ciega High School student is facing charges after he was found with a loaded handgun on campus on Wednesday.

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The Gulfport Police Department says the 17-year-old was arrested after the loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun was found in his backpack.

The school resource officer was told the student might have drugs on him. The student was pulled out of class and a search was conducted. That's when police say the gun was found.

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The officer seized the gun and placed the student under arrest. He was removed from campus and charged with felony possession of a weapon and ammunition on school property.

Police say there was never any indication that the student displayed or threatened to use the gun. He told them he bought it from a friend for personal protection. Police say he did not have drugs in his possession.

Detectives say the investigation is on-going.