An 18-year-old student was arrested Wednesday morning at East Meadow High School after an unloaded starter pistol, the type used to signal the beginning of races, was allegedly found in his backpack.

Police say they were called to the school just after 11 a.m. for reports of a weapon. School officials say it was found during a routine backpack check, but it is unclear what prompted the search.

East Meadow's superintendent posted a statement on the school's website confirming the student and weapon were removed from the building and no students or staff were exposed to any danger. Parents also received a phone call from the district, alerting them to what happened.

The student's name has not been released. Fellow classmates say he just moved to the district last year and described him as a "good kid."