Apparent gun brought to elementary school by young boy in East New York
EAST NEW YORK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- The NYPD was called to an elementary school in Brooklyn Thursday morning after a boy was found with what appeared to be a gun.
The apparent weapon was found in the possession of an 8-year-old boy just before 10:30 a.m. at P.S. 158 in East New York.
The investigation started when a parent came to the school this morning, reporting that her child was menaced with a weapon by another child yesterday.
School officials went to the young boy and found a .380 caliber Taurus handgun in his backpack.
Police are now looking at the gun to determine if it is operational.
They will be talking to that child's parents to determine how he got the weapon. Investigators did not disclose whether or not the parents would face any charges.
Students were not dismissed from class on Thursday. It was a half day as the school was holding parent teacher conferences.
Parents Eyewitness News reporter Pedro Rivera spoke to outside the school said this is something they should have been told about.
"They pretty much are on top of things, but was something like this - parents should be more aware of," said parent Lashaun Harvey.
New York City Public Schools released a statement calling the incident deeply concerning.
"Guns have absolutely no place in the hands of our young people, and this incident is a deeply concerning example of the consequences of the proliferation of guns in our society and in our city," New York City Public Schools said. "It's extremely worrying when a child this young has access to such a dangerous weapon, and we are grateful for the partnership of our school communities in keeping our young people safe each day. All safety procedures were followed in response to this incident, and all students and staff are safe. We're working closely with NYPD and ACS follow-up actions, and to ensure this young person receives they supports they need."
The district went on to say that they will be sending letters to parents on Thursday about the incident.
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