Security guards say they found a .38-caliber gun in a book bag at a Bridgeport elementary school Tuesday.

Officials at Cesar Batalla School say security staff noticed an eighth-grader carrying a suspicious book bag.

"Upon a search of the book bag, a rusty, inoperable and unloaded weapon was found and immediately removed from the premises," wrote the school's principal in a letter sent to parents. "Neither the safety of the students or staff was ever in jeopardy."

It is not yet known if the student was arrested. According to the school, police are continuing to investigate the circumstances.