A Rockdale County high school student was arrested Monday for having a handgun in his backpack.

The student, whose name was not released because he is a juvenile, brought the gun to Salem High School, Sgt. Jodi Shupe with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office told the AJC.

The gun was not loaded and no ammunition was found, Shupe said. The student was transported to a youth detention center following his arrest, Shupe said.

School principal Tonya Bloodworth informed parents about the incident in a voice mail message Monday afternoon.