COVINGTON, Ga. – Authorities arrested a 17-year-old Alcovy High School student for carrying a weapon in a school safety zone Dec. 1 after a knife was found in her book bag, according to a sheriff’s office report.

Tavarea Walk, of Covington, was charged after her book bag was searched by school administrators following allegations she had pulled the weapon on several students after they exited the bus the day before.

According to a NCSO spokesperson, the student said she brought the kitchen knife to school for protection after being involved in an altercation with several students earlier in the week. There were no injuries.

Newton County School System spokesperson Sherri Davis said,” Our rules are very clear; knives and other weapons are not permitted on campus. The student will be disciplined for violating the student code of conduct.”