A 16-year-old McMinn Co High student has been charged with bringing a simulated handgun to school.

According to Sheriff Joe Guy, SROs received information that a student was in the cafeteria displaying a firearm to other students after another student sent a parent a picture of the alledges weapon.

“Upon investigation, the student was located with a piece of solid metal fabricated so as to appear to be a handgun, which the student was pointing at or showing to other students, causing some alarm,” Said Sheriff Guy. “SROs took the item into custody.”

School administrators are issuing disciplinary action against the student and charges will be filed by Sheriffs School Resource Officers through Juvenile Court as the investigation continues.

“The Sheriff’s Office and our School System share the same concern for the safety of our students,” added Sheriff Guy. “Any threats or disruption to our schools or the school environment will always be taken seriously.”

The Sheriff also released a photo sent to SROs of the simulated handgun taken by a student witness at the high school.