Student in custody after Richfield lockdown, loaded handgun recovered

A student is in custody after a lockdown at a Richfield school Friday afternoon.

At 1:27 p.m., Richfield police responded to a call at South Education Center on a report of a student with a handgun. Peers had noticed the weapon and told staff, who then initiated a lockdown. Police made contact with the juvenile near the main entrance of the school and, without incident, took him into custody.

The handgun was loaded, according to police. The student was taken to Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center.

South Education Center, part of Intermediate District 287, is a pre-K through grade 12 school for students with "unique needs." They specifically serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Development Cognitive Disabilities or impairments, mental health conditions or those with histories of trauma, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other related conditions.

The incident is under investigation. No further information is available at this time.