Montgomery County police responded to Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville after school administrators discovered a 16-year-old student at the school had a pocket knife and handgun ammunition with him.

WASHINGTON — A 16-year-old student has been charged after he brought a knife and bullets to a Montgomery County high school Thursday morning.

Around 8:30 a.m., Montgomery County police responded to Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville after school administrators discovered a 16-year-old student at the school had a pocket knife and handgun ammunition with him. The ammunition was in a small, plastic sandwich bag, Montgomery County police said.

Police determined that the student did not have a gun with him at school. Officers searched school grounds and the student’s home, but did not find any firearms.

Students and staff were safe and able to continue with the school day as normal, said Paint Branch High School Principal Dr. Myriam Yarbrough in a letter to parents.

“This is a very serious matter and we ask that you remind your children that weapons of any kind are not allowed on school property,” Yarbrough said in the letter.

Police transported the student to the 3rd District Station and charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on school property. He was released to his guardian, police said.

The case will be referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication.