Student Caught With Firearm, Loaded Magazine at Tuscaloosa County’s Hillcrest High School

An investigation is underway after a student was caught with a firearm and a loaded magazine at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa County Wednesday morning.

In a statement provided to the Tuscaloosa Thread, Principal Jeff Hinton said the gun itself was not loaded, but there were bullets in the magazine the student was carrying.

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"We received information that a student was seen with a firearm at school this morning. This information was reported by another individual, as soon as that individual made the observation," Hinton said in a message to parents. "Our school resource officer and administrators were able to quickly secure the student and locate the firearm. The firearm was not loaded, but the student did have a clip loaded with bullets in their possession. No one was injured in this situation. We extended the class period and held students in their classrooms, for the purpose of conducting a thorough investigation of the situation."

Hinton told parents he could not share many more details Wednesday, but assured them the matter was under investigation and it will not go unanswered.

"We are thankful to the individual who spoke up immediately when they saw a potential danger to our school. This is one of the most important and effective ways you can help keep our school safe," Hinton said. "Because this is an active investigation, we are limited in some details that we can discuss at this time. However, please know that any student who brings a weapon to school faces serious consequences under our code of conduct. Please reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns."

No further details were available Wednesday afternoon. For more if and when it becomes available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread,