Grandfather arraigned after 11-year-old brings loaded gun to Queens school

SOUTH JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) -- A Queens man was arraigned Wednesday night on charges after his 11-year-old grandchild was found with a loaded gun in school.

Police said Kenneth Miley's grandson took a loaded .38 semi-automatic handgun, after he found it between the cushions of Miley's sofa, to PS 40 in South Jamaica on Tuesday.

The 11-year-old student got into a fight with another student at school on Monday. On Tuesday, the gun was found in his backpack.

Miley's bail was set on Wednesday at $30,000 and his next court date is March 29.

School security officers said they often see weapons at high schools. "They remove stun guns, you name it, as weapons," said Derek Jackson, of the Teamsters Local 237. But at a grammar school like PS 40 it is rare. Parents were stunned and angry mostly with the family of the child that had a gun so readily available.

Miley was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment.

Two additional live rounds of ammunition were discovered under the suspect's bed, according to the criminal complaint in the case.

The suspect told police he found the gun in his backyard and planned to drop it off at a police stationhouse.

The Department of Education released the following statement: "This is incredibly disturbing and nothing is more important than the safety of all students and staff. School staff immediately notified NYPD and they swiftly responded. Families were notified yesterday and additional staff is available to the school community to provide ongoing support. We will continue to work closely with the police department as they investigate this alarming incident, and ensure that all students and staff feel safe."

Mayor Bill de Blasio's spokesman also said in a statement: "The mayor is committed to the safety of all out students and educators. He believes that we must look closely at school safety data and determine a clear protocol before examining the removal of scanners."

Miley faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. No charges were brought against the 11-year-old.