On Monday morning, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Unit deputies responded to Ooltewah High School to assist the assigned school resource deputy (SRD) and the school’s administration with a report of a potential firearm on campus.

An HCSO K-9 alerted to a vehicle in the school’s parking lot, initiating a search that recovered a loaded firearm, magazine, and multiple additional rounds of ammunition.

A juvenile suspect was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Property.

This is an example of the important partnership that the HCSO and Hamilton County Department of Education have in ensuring the safety of our students.

This information is preliminary and subject to change.