13-year-old in custody after bringing a loaded gun to a Durham middle school

A loaded gun was found at a Durham middle school Thursday. 

Lowe's Grove Middle School was placed on lockdown shortly after 12:30 p.m. after teachers reported a student had a weapon on campus, according to Durham Public Schools (DPS).

In a news release by the Durham County Sheriff's Office, a school resource officer (SRO) noticed a disagreement between multiple students. One was reported to have a gun.

The school was placed on lockdown and the SRO separated the students and conducted a search, according to the news release. Durham school leaders said the gun was found and confiscated immediately.

Durham County Sheriff's Office identified a 13-year-old student with the gun. He was taken into custody and could face multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a minor and possession of a firearm on campus.

WRAL's Sky 5 flew over Lowes Grove Middle School where cars and parents were seen lined up outside of the school and down Alston Avenue.

Emotional students told WRAL the incident happened around lunchtime with a large commotion in the hallway before the building was placed on lockdown. One dad said he is hurt by the situation. 

"This isn't what you really send your child out the house to deal with," said William Coleman, a sixth grade parent.

DPS said the lockdown has been lifted and the school resumed normal daily operation and dismissal is at regular time.

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead commended Lowe's Grove SRO for his "swift action" amid the incident.

"A potential tragedy was averted today due to the quick actions of the Lowe’s Grove SRO, who intervened during an escalating confrontation between students," Birkhead said. "The SRO gained control of the situation and found the loaded weapon on the middle school student. We are grateful that this time there was a positive outcome.”