Gun Falls From Student’s Backpack, Puts Camden County Middle School on Lockdown, Police Say

A Camden County middle school was placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon after school officials learned that a gun had fallen out of a child's backpack while students were changing classes.

Winslow Township police responded to Winslow Township Middle School Tuesday at about 12:42 p.m. after school officials reported that a student was in possession of a weapon, police said.

"The school was immediately put into a lock down for the safety of the students and the faculty," Winslow police said.

School principal Stella Nwanguma said in a letter to parents that the incident happened as students where moving to their seventh period classes.

"Once the information was brought to the attention of the administration, the building was immediately placed in lockdown and police were notified," Nwanguna said.

Police say when they arrived at the school, they located the student in his "assigned classroom." Following an investigation, the student - whose name has not been released - was found to be in possession of a loaded pellet gun and kitchen-style steak knife, authorities said.

The student was taken into police custody and charged with possession of a weapon, Winslow police said.

According to authorities, the student did not threaten anyone with either weapon and "at no time were other students in danger."

"Cooperation between the Winslow Twp Police Department and the school's staff led to a swift and safe conclusion of this incident," police said.

Authorities say a court hearing on the charges against the student is pending.

The principal said following the arrest, the lockdown was lifted and students returned to their normal schedules.