A staff member found a handgun at Wednesday night at University City's alternative high school.

The handgun was found in a trash can at the Lieberman Learning Center. According to KMOV, a staff member found a handgun.

University City Police were contacted and found the gun to be inoperable.

In a written statement from the district to KMOV, officials say the safety and well-being of students and staff are top priorities.

Notification will be sent to parents today, KMOV reported.

Police are still investigating whether a student brought the gun to school.