Police: Student brings gun on campus, throws it while trying to get away

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — A high school was on a brief lockdown Friday after authorities said a student had a gun on campus.

The incident happened at Newton County High School.

Administrators said they got an anonymous tip about a student with a weapon.

Authorities said they found the student, and as he tried to get away, he threw the gun. It was immediately recovered, police said. No one was injured.

"I was wondering what was going on, so I went to the window and saw a boy and the policeman had his gun out," one student told Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes.

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According to the Newton County Sheriff's Office, the gun the student had was stolen.

DeWayne Franco, 17, was arrested and taken to the Newton County Detention Center.

He has been charged as an adult with having a weapon in a school safety zone, possession of a handgun under age 18, theft by receiving and obstruction. The school is also charging him with violating the code of conduct.

"I tell you, it scares you to death. You're just afraid for the young people nowadays," grandparent John Schell said.

Cox Media Group