(BCN) -- A 16-year-old boy who allegedly brought a loaded gun to school in Santa Rosa was arrested on Thursday afternoon, police said. The handgun was discovered as school officials at Elsie Allen High School were investigating a possible gang-related graffiti incident involving the student and were searching his backpack."During this search, a staff member discovered a small satchel containing the handgun and a loaded 24-round magazine," Santa Rosa police said. Photo: Santa Rosa Police Department A school administrator reported the firearm to police about 1:15 p.m. By the time officers arrived, school officials had confiscated the firearm, a 9-millimeter handgun, and secured the student. The teen was booked at juvenile hall on suspicion of possession of a loaded handgun on campus, possession of an unregistered handgun, and being a minor in possession of a handgun. "The Santa Rosa Police Department and Santa Rosa City Schools emphasize that weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on school grounds," police said in a news release. "Parents are urged to speak with their children about the serious consequences of possessing any weapons, including replica weapons, on school grounds, at home, or in our community." Copyright © 2024 Bay City News, Inc.