THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, May 31, 1995                TAG: 9505310509
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                     LENGTH: Short :   26 lines

GUN FOUND

A Salem High School student was found carrying a handgun Tuesday outside the school, police spokesman Lou Thurston reported.

Officer Christopher Hession found the gun about 1:30 p.m., when he stopped a car as it was leaving the school. A search uncovered a .22 caliber revolver in the student's backpack. There were two bullets in the gun.

Police charged the 16-year-old ninth-grader with possession of a firearm while under the age of 18 and with carrying a concealed weapon, both misdemeanors. He also was charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds.

The student was suspended from school and could be expelled, Thurston said. He was taken to Tidewater Detention Home and was scheduled to appear in court today. He gave no reason for having the gun, Thurston said.

KEYWORDS: HANDGUNS SALEM HIGH SCHOOL ARREST by CNB