Santa Cruz: Gun found at Branciforte Middle School, lockdown lifted

Branciforte Middle School was placed on lockdown Wednesday after a staff member found a disassembled gun in a trash can on campus.

According to Santa Cruz Police, the school was placed on lockdown by police and school administrators out of caution. The gun, an AR 7 was not loaded, according to school district superintendent Kris Munro.

The lockdown occurred around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Parents were sent an automated message letting them know the situation.

Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills said the lockdown was lifted around 2 p.m.