A Concord High School student was taken to the Elkhart County Juvenile Detention Center after being found with a gun in their backpack.

School leaders were tipped off about the student early Monday afternoon and, within just a few minutes, confiscated the backpack.

According to a letter sent to parents, they found an unloaded 9-millimeter handgun in the backpack. School officers also found bullets and a switchblade in the student’s pockets.

They say the student will not return to Concord High School and the case is being sent to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office.

Letter to parents:

Concord High School families,

Thank you for your support as we navigated a difficult student situation today at Concord High School. We want to update you about a few additional details and make clear that the student will NOT be returning to Concord High School, and that this was an isolated incident pertaining to only this individual student.

At about 1:00 p.m. today (Monday, Nov. 11), high school administration was made aware that one of our students may have brought a gun to school. Within minutes of finding out about the possible weapon, the student was located in the CHS office and the students’ backpack was confiscated without incident.

An unloaded 9mm gun was found inside the backpack. We immediately investigated, confirmed the existence of the gun, and confiscated it, eliminating any potential risk to students or staff. During the investigation, Concord Community Schools Police Department officers also located a switchblade and bullets in the students’ pants pocket.

The student who brought the gun to school is currently detained at the Elkhart County Juvenile Detention Center, pending charges of possession of a firearm while on school property, and possession of a knife while on school property. The case will be referred to the prosecutor’s office. Again, the student will not be returning to Concord High School.

Thank you for your partnership and support.