Gainesville police officers arrested a Gainesville High School (GHS) student who brought a loaded firearm onto campus Tuesday.

According to a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) release, the investigation started when an anonymous tip was provided to the GHS school resources officer, who attempted to intercept the student when he arrived on campus. The student was located in a classroom and officers informed school administrators to remove the student from the room.

When officers told the student they needed to speak with him, the student attempted to flee but was detained. The student admitted he had a gun in his bag.

Officers searched the student’s backpack and found a 9mm handgun. The student told officers that he found the firearm in a local neighborhood and claimed to be carrying it for self-protection.

The student, who is currently on probation, was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, resisting without violence and possession of a firearm on school property.