NEW ALBANY, Ohio — A loaded handgun was found inside an elementary student's bag at New Albany Primary School Thursday.
The New Albany Police Department said the student reportedly brought the handgun onto the school bus and showed it to other students.
Upon arriving at the school, the school staff was told about the loaded handgun. Police said administrators confronted the student and the weapon was confiscated by school resource officers.
“We would like to commend the students who reported what they saw to the school staff,” said New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones. “Our schools stress the importance of taking the ‘see something, say something’ approach to safety. We all have a responsibility to alert the appropriate authorities when we see something that isn’t right.”
Superintendent Michael Sawyers said the student will face disciplinary action, which could include expulsion from the school and possible court action.
The superintendent added that this is an isolated event and no students were hurt in connection with the incident.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Our system, 'See Something, Say Something' works. Students, parents, staff, and community members must continue to report information, conversations, social media posts, or rumors that jeopardize the safety and welfare of anyone on our school campus. The administration, working with the police, will determine the credibility of any information reported and will act accordingly,” Sawyer wrote in a letter to families.
Police said the student will not face criminal charges, but investigators are looking into how the child obtained the handgun.
“We have to remember that young children can be curious about guns,” said Jones. “Even if you have spoken with your children about gun safety, they don't always realize how dangerous those weapons can be.”
District leaders encourage parents to secure weapons of any kind and make sure students are not able to access them.