Surrey: B.C. schoolboy found carrying 9mm handgun

A 13-year-old boy will be appearing in Youth Court in Surrey, B.C. after a nine-millimetre handgun and bullets were found in a student's backpack on school property.

Students arrive at Johnston Heights Secondary in Surrey, B.C.

Students arrive at Johnston Heights Secondary in Surrey, B.C.

RCMP say they were called to Johnston Heights Secondary school last Friday afternoon after someone tipped off the school's liaison officer. The officer was advised to approach a student, and found the weapon after a check.

Police say the gun was not loaded.

The youth was taken into custody. And in a search of his guardian's residence, police found two AK-47 assault rifles, ammunition clips and a large amount of ammunition in a locked safe.

RCMP say it does not appear as if the grade-eight student intended on using the weapon against student or staff -- rather that he was carrying the weapon for self-protection.

The school board says the discovery raises alarming questions in the community.

"I think that the community as a whole should be concerned that a 13-year-old kid had access to a gun," Surrey School Board communications manager Doug Strachan told CTV British Columbia.

"That's a community issue."