An investigation is ongoing after a student called 911 to report she was distressed and had a handgun in her backpack.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office responded to Springville High School to assist the Springville Police Department at approximately 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, said Sheriff Billy Murray.

The girl told dispatchers what she was wearing, where she was, what kind of gun she had and that she had self-harm thoughts.

Springville Police Chief Wayne Walton said officers were on the scene within two minutes. Students already at the school were moved into a gymnasium, and those arriving were not allowed in at that point.

Law enforcement made contact with the girl and secured the handgun.

“The SRO put himself between the student and the other students at the school,” Walton said. “Tha

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