An unloaded weapon was found underwater in a toilet at Ridgeland High School on Thursday before classes began, officials said.

Custodial staff removed the small-caliber handgun, and police were called to investigate, school spokeswoman Elaine Womack said.

Police determined the unloaded gun did not pose an immediate threat.

“After a safety check of the campus, the situation was well under control and did not warrant a lockdown or evacuation,” Mrs. Womack said in a prepared statement.

Procedures established by state law and the Walker County Board of Education were followed, she said.

“As a precaution to avoid possible unfounded rumor and unnecessary concern by parents, the SchoolCast Automatic Notification System was engaged to notify parents of the occurrence and the message was posted on the Ridgeland High School Web site,” Mrs. Womack said in a prepared statement.

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