A 14-year-old middle school student in Dawsonville was arrested Tuesday after an illegal firearm and prescription drugs were found inside a backpack, according to police.

Authorities have not revealed the identity of the Dawson County Junior High School student who was being held at a regional youth detention center.

The teen faces multiple charges, including illegal possession or carrying a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, according to reports citing details provided by Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson.

The exact circumstances of what led to the student’s arrest were unclear.

The gun was allegedly seized from a backpack before the teen was due to be dropped off at school Tuesday morning, reports said. No known threats were made and there was no indication of a plot to target anyone, Johnson said in a statement.

Dawsonville is located in north-central Georgia.

The case remains under investigation.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Mercer guard Zaire Williams (1) drives against Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Credit: AP

Featured

Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez