POLK COUNTY, Fla. -- Four high school students are in custody after a gun was spotted on campus, prompting a lockdown.
According to Polk County Sheriff's Office, a 16-year-old student pointed a gun at another student at Lake Region High School in Eagle Lake.
The armed student then handed the gun off to someone else. After an hours-long search, deputies said they eventually found the gun in the possession of two high school students, both girls.
Deputies said when the gun was found, it was not loaded. A bullet was later found in another student's backpack and he was charged.
Deputies charged the male student who pointed the gun, the two female students and the fourth student who had the bullet. All four of the suspects were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center in Polk County.
School officials say the students were dismissed at their usual time and after-school activities are still proceeding as normal.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Below is a message sent to the families of Lake Region High School:
Dear families,
All students and staff are safe.
Earlier today, law enforcement officers and school administrators determined there was a weapon on campus. The school grounds were searched and students were interviewed. The weapon has been located and is in the possession of law enforcement. Law enforcement continues its investigation.
Students will be dismissed as usual at 2 p.m. After-school activities will proceed as normal.
We would like to commend the students who alerted school administrators to the weapon. We also thank our law enforcement partners for their swift and thorough response to this situation, and for your patience and understanding throughout the day
