A high school student in Washington state has been arrested after bringing a loaded gun to class, authorities said Tuesday.

Staff at Skyview High School found the handgun inside the jacket of the male student while he was on campus, the Clark County Sheriff's Office said. 

The juvenile, whom police did not name, told school officials that he brought the firearm to school for "self-defense," according to the sheriff's office.

Skyview High School gun Clark County

A male student at Skyview High School in Clark County, Washington, was arrested Tuesday after he brought a loaded gun to school, authorities said. (Clark County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities described the firearm as a semi-automatic handgun that had rounds in the magazine and an empty chamber.

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The student was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession a dangerous weapon on school ground. Police said he was referred to speak with a designated crisis responder after being taken to a juvenile detention center.

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The investigation was ongoing. No additional information was immediately available.