High school student charged with having gun at school

A Dothan High School football player was taken into police custody Wednesday after being caught with a gun at school, according to authorities.

Dothan Police Maj. Nick Monday said the student, a 15-year-old freshman, was taken to the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center after the school resource officer searched his book bag and found a firearm there.

Sam Nichols, Dothan City School superintendent, said the student was searched after school staff were informed that he had a firearm in his possession. The search occurred after school hours during football practice.

Nichols said the school has no reason to believe the student intended to harm others. Nichols said the student told authorities that he had found the gun. Regardless of his intent, the student faces legal consequences and possible expulsion because of the incident.

“We have zero tolerance for this,” Nichols said.