Central student charged with drugs and carrying a loaded gun

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A drug check at a local high school today turned into a gun violation.

The School Resource Deputy at Central High was investigating a student around 10:15 AM for drugs.

The Sheriff’s Office says when the SRD confronted the student, the student tried to run.

They say when the officer caught the student, the SRD found a loaded Glock 19 in the suspect’s waistband.

It had 16 rounds, including one in the chamber.

The student has now been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, and carrying a firearm on school property.

“The HCSO is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for our children and school staff. Today’s arrest represents the importance of having a School Resource Deputy in our schools and the relationships they maintain with our school staff and administrators. It is through these relationships they foster, mentor, and mitigate incidents like this, which threaten a safe and healthy learning environment.”  –  Sheriff Austin Garrett