Handgun found after fight at Hoffman Estates High School

A fight involving three Hoffman Estates High School students in which a handgun was discovered in a bag belonging to one of them caused a soft lockdown at the school Friday morning.

Hoffman Estates police said one of the juveniles has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds and unlawful possession of ammunitions. All three have been charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said the situation unfolded about 7:40 a.m., when the school resource officer responded to the fight in a hallway. Authorities found a 9 mm handgun in a backpack belonging to one of the three students.

A letter from Principal Mike Alther noted Hoffman Estates police determined there was no lingering safety concern.

"Student and staff safety is our top priority," Alther wrote to parents. "Out of continued caution, additional police will be on campus throughout the day. All classes and activities have continued as scheduled."

The scuffle at the school stemmed from a social media conflict outside of school, according to Alther.