Lockdown at Potomac High School lifted after student with gun taken into custody, police say

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Police praised an alert teacher's quick response for leading them to a student they say was in possession of a gun on a Prince George's County high school campus.

Potomac High School in Oxon Hill was placed on lockdown at around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday after a teacher told police that she saw a 16-year-old tenth grade student exchanging money with another teenager she knew was trespassing on campus.

"Our officer quickly reacted, found the current student and began questioning that student," said Prince George's County Officer Harry Bond. "During the questioning, the officer found a handgun on the student and quickly took that student into custody."

Officers then arrived in force and began searching for the trespasser. Students were locked in their classrooms. One student told FOX 5 that she learned about another student having a gun on social media.

Police spent about two hours inside the school before learning the trespasser had left. Police said he was seen on video.

"We do know who he is and we are looking for him," said Officer Bond.

It is unclear why the student brought the gun to school or if he and the trespasser had some kind of plan.

"Fortunately, a teacher was alert enough to notice that students exchanging money is strange and she contacted the school resource officer to investigate," said Prince George's County Public Schools spokesperson John White.

A law enforcement source said the trespasser is a former student who has been known to be a troublemaker in the past.

The lockdown last for about two hours before it was lifted. No injuries were reported.

Police said the 16-year-old student will be facing charges.