Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 21, 1993                   TAG: 9310210223
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                                LENGTH: Short

SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN FOUND IN HIGH SCHOOL LOCKER

The student, a ninth-grader at Bayside High School, was not identified because of his age. Authorities at the school found the firearm after being alerted by a parent, said Lewis Thurston, a Police Department spokesman.

The shotgun was found about midday, and the student in whose locker it was discovered was detained after he reported a bag missing from the locker, Thurston said.

Thurston said no ammunition was found with the gun or on the student. The student said he had the gun for protection because of a recent fight with other students off school grounds.

The student was charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun, which carries up to 10 years in prison, and possession of a firearm on school grounds, which carries up to five years in prison, Thurston said.

The student also was suspended and recommended for expulsion. - Associated Press