Student found with stolen gun at metro Atlanta high school, cops say

A Newton County High School student was found with a stolen gun on campus Friday, prompting a lockdown before the student was arrested, a sheriff’s spokeswoman said.

The student, 17-year-old DeWayne Marcus Franco, was taken to the Newton County jail after the incident, Sgt. Cortney Morrison said.

After receiving an anonymous tip, a school police officer and administrators went to the student’s classroom, and the student ran into the rear parking lot, Morrison said. While trying to avoid arrest, the student threw the gun but it was recovered.

Morrison confirmed the weapon had been reported stolen.

Franco is charged with having a handgun while under 18, having a gun in a school safety zone, theft by receiving and obstructing an officer, according to Morrison.

No injuries were reported.