Starter pistol confiscated from Hartwell 8th-grader

Cincinnati Public Schools security confiscated a starter pistol from an 8th-grader at Hartwell School this morning, officials said.

After a neighborhood resident observed a student with a pistol on his way to school, the security staff acted quickly to search the student and contact the authorities, according to press release from Janet Walsh, director of public affairs for Cincinnati Public Schools.

Officials for the school said no students or staff were in danger because starter pistols can only fire blanks.

At no time was the starter pistol used to threaten other students at Hartwell, Walsh said.

The identity of the student was not released, but officials said he was taken into custody by Cincinnati police.

No further details are available.