Student arrested at Lyman High School after fighting with police, gun found in his backpack

LONGWOOD, Fla. - A 15-year-old student at a Florida high school was arrested Friday after an unloaded handgun was found in his backpack, according to police, and a letter sent home to parents.

"Today, we arrested a student who had an unloaded weapon while on our campus," Lyman High School Principal Michael Hunter in the letter. "There was never a specific threat made to our campus. Both the student and parents will be questioned further, and, in addition to criminal charges, the appropriate level of disciplinary action will occur."

Longwood police said it was contacted by the school's resource officers on Friday afternoon after the teenager became disruptive and combative with a school employee. That student then allegedly became combative with officers, who detained him.

According to the arrest report, after officials searched his backpack, the student attempted to run "full speed" towards the officer to get him to move out of the way, wrestled with officers and refused to put his hands behind his back, and kicked a sergeant.

Police said an unloaded handgun was found in the student's backpack, adding "at no time, did (the student) display the firearm, threaten anyone on campus with the firearm, or mention the firearm to anyone."

FOX 35 is not naming the student because he is a minor. He was booked on a few charges, including possession of a firearm on school property and resisting an officer with violence.

"During situations like this, I like to take a moment to remind you all to speak with your children and let them know that if they ever see or hear about a fellow student with a weapon at school to report it immediately to their teachers or administrators," he wrote. Students can also report situations to Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477 (TIPS).