Police said they took the Churchland High School student into custody and that he's facing several criminal charges.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — After spending one million dollars on school safety upgrades, Portsmouth Public Schools is now addressing how a 15-year-old brought a loaded gun onto a high school campus.

Emergency Communications received a 911 call around noon, and school resource officers were able to respond.

Officers took the freshman into custody, and he is facing several criminal charges, including possession of a firearm on school property, underage possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, brandishing and possession of a concealed weapon.

Police said the gun never went off and no one was injured. Because of the student's age, his name will not be released.

Portsmouth Public Schools recently spent one million dollars for security upgrades such as additional school security officers, a visitor management system and camera upgrades.

Portsmouth Chief of Schools Michael Cromartie insists schools are safe.

"We worked proactively, we worked diligently," said Cromartie. "When we determined there was contraband, we handled it immediately and we preserved safety in our buildings, which is what we are tasked to do. And from that context, I'd say we were responsive."

Cromartie said Churchland High School has metal detectors at both exits and students are selected at random each morning for screening. The teen in this incident was not selected that day.

"We did what we were supposed to do, we followed all of our guidelines and procedures," said Cromartie. "We’re constantly reflective and we reflected on yesterday and determined some things we can likely do better in the future."

Cromartie said they are evaluating if students should walk through metal detectors each morning, as well as other measures. He would not mention details, citing safety concerns.

"Our schools are safe places for kids to be," said Cromartie. "The best way to prevent what happened yesterday is to continue to advise our kids, this is not the place for that kind of contraband."

A spokeswoman with the Portsmouth Public Schools said the school was on lockdown briefly.

Principal Shawn Millaci shared the following message with the community:

Good afternoon, Churchland families. This is Principal Shawn Millaci. I am calling you today with an important message about school safety. Earlier today, a student came forward to report another student may have a weapon on school grounds. Administration immediately identified and searched the freshmen student, and he now faces criminal charges as well as disciplinary action here at the school. I want to thank the student who came forward and made the initial report. As you discuss this with your children tonight, please review with them the role they play in keeping our school safe. Specifically, if they ever see something suspicious, please encourage them to find an administrator or staff member and report their concerns. In short, if they see something, say something. Thank you for your help and understanding, and, as always, for your continued support of Churchland High School.

Portsmouth Police want to remind students and citizens that anyone who may have information about a crime that has been committed in the City of Portsmouth can submit an anonymous tip to the Crime Line by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP℠ (1-888-562-5887).