A 17-year-old student at William Blount High School in Blount County, Tennessee, was arrested Monday evening after another student reported seeing him with a handgun tucked into his waistband on school property and provided deputies with a photo of the weapon. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office charged the juvenile with carrying a weapon on school property and possession of a handgun by a minor.

Authorities emphasized that the firearm was never displayed inside the school and no threats were made. Sheriff James Lee Berrong praised the reporting student, reiterating the “see something, say something” message, while Blount County Schools officials stated they were unaware of the gun until informed that evening and immediately cooperated with law enforcement.

The school operated on its normal schedule Tuesday with increased administrator and School Resource Officer presence to support students and staff, and both the district and sheriff’s office stressed that student safety and keeping firearms out of schools remain top priorities.