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Loaded Gun Found On Calaveras High School Bus; 2 Students Arrested

SAN ANDREAS (CBS13) – Authorities say that two students from Calaveras High School have been arrested after a loaded gun was found on a school bus.

The incident happened Friday a little after 8 a.m., according to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office. A parent was reportedly texted by their child about the gun. The parent then called the school.

"The bus driver did not know there was a gun on the bus. The driver was radioed to pull over," said Calaveras County Sheriff's Dept. spokesman.

The school then radioed the bus driver to pull over in the upper parking lot of Calaveras High School to hold the students until deputies could arrive.

The bus stopped just before reaching the school. Principal Merrill came running out to stop students from leaving.

"He jumped on the bus and made sure the kids stayed put -- and really, just thinking about the kids' safety, no his own safety," said Calaveras Unified School District superintendent Mark Campbell.

Deputies were able to talk with a 17-year-old boy on the bus. A search of his bus seat and belongings uncovered a loaded gun, deputies say. Exactly what kind of gun was found has not been detailed.

It was later learned that a second student, a 15-year-old boy, was the one who originally brought the gun on the bus.

Both boys have since been arrested. Deputies do not know what the intentions of the boys were, but they do not believe the teens were out to hurt any students or staff at the school.

"Oh my goodness, a freshman?...This is a small community, we're tight-knit and it's really scary to know that someone was able to bring a gun to school," said Carol Franklin, the grandmother of a student.

One bullet was found in the magazine of the gun, deputies say.

Detectives are still investigating the incident. They say they don't have a motive for the incident.

Campbell says neither of the student suspects are not known for getting into trouble.

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