By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

CALERA— A 17-year-old Calera High School student was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on April 8 after a firearm and cigarettes were allegedly found in his possession, according to a City of Calera Police Department Facebook post.

According to the post, CHS’s principal, Joel Dixon, was investigating a rumor that the suspect had been seen smoking cigarettes on campus. The post said Dixon requested the Calera Police school patrol officer’s assistance in searching the suspect’s bags.

While conducting a search of the suspect’s property, Dixon and the school patrol officer allegedly found cigarettes and a small caliber handgun.

The juvenile was arrested and transported to the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center. According to the Facebook post, there have been no reports of the individual making any threats prior to the incident.

“The Calera Police Department will continue to actively patrol our schools, and we will remain vigilant in helping to protect our students,” the post read.