Unloaded gun allegedly found in Brashear High School student's backpack

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A Brashear High School student is facing charges after the district said an unloaded gun was found in a backpack Wednesday. 

A spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Schools said a staff member saw a student walking into a wooded area after dismissal, returning with a backpack. 

The staff member alerted security and police, who took the student off the bus and searched the backpack. The district said the search turned up an unloaded gun. Sources tell KDKA Jennifer Borrasso the 15-year-old freshman had a .380 pistol.

"One good thing: the kid couldn't get it into the building, so whoever it was found it outside the building," said board member Bill Gallagher, who represents the high school. "I just wish parents would know what their children are into because nobody should have a gun at that age. It's crazy."

The district said the student will face disciplinary action and a charge for possessing a firearm.

The spokesperson said that the district is grateful to the staff member and school safety officers "who jumped into action earlier today to protect the safety of students and staff." She added the school's leadership team is "creating new measures and enhancing old systems to ensure the health and safety of both the students and staff."