Loaded gun found in student backpack, school says

Authorities in Volusia County say a loaded gun was found inside the backpack of a student attending Atlantic High School in Port Orange.

The gun was discovered in the 17-year-old’s backpack after Daytona Beach police went to the school to interview him about a shooting case, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.  

"The .45 caliber pistol had the hammer cocked back, with one round in the chamber and four rounds in the magazine," said Sheriff's Office spokesman Andrew Gant.

No threats made prior to the discovery of the gun, Gant added. 

The student now faces a felony charge of possession of a firearm on a school campus,.