Student suspected of carrying loaded handgun at Mira Mesa High School detained

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A student suspected of possessing a loaded handgun was detained Friday at Mira Mesa High School.

The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI that school police was forced to detain the student around 12:30 p.m. after an interview with the student about the alleged connection to a reported crime escalated.

While in law enforcement custody in the counseling office, authorities found the student was in possession of a loaded handgun.

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a situation that I have not encountered here before in my tenure as the principal," said Jeff Sabins, the principal at Mira Mesa High School.

The office reopened and classes resumed on schedule around 1:25 p.m., school officials said.

"Please know that the well-being and security of our school community remain our highest priority," Sabins added.

The school says counselors will be available next week to support students and staff members.

If the subject comes up, Sabins advises parents to talk with their child about his or her thoughts and feelings about the incident to reassure their health and safety.

SDUSD confirmed a lockdown that occurred at the school earlier that morning was not connected to the incident.