Teacher Catches Preschool Student With Loaded Gun in His Backpack

A preschooler in Griffin, Ga., shocked educators after showing up to school with a loaded gun in his backpack on Tuesday. The weapon's presence was reported by another young student and subsequently discovered by a Jordan Hill Elementary School teacher

A view of a .45 semi-auto handgun. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Officials acted promptly after the educator delivered the bag to the principal, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports. Both the police and the child's parents were notified. The incident unfolded at the end of the school day.

Principal Anthony Aikens also used the Griffin-Spalding County School District's call alert system to let all of the district's parents know what had unfolded. On Wed., they will receive a letter that also details the incident.

While the student was disciplined, other pupils were reportedly not in any immediate danger. Still, the school has taken the incident seriously, with Aikens reminding parents to ensure that their children follow the district's rules and regulations.

"All students and families must be aware of the actions that violate school rules and understand the consequences," the principal told parents in his alert, according to the Journal. "We can avoid disciplinary action by each of you talking with your student about appropriate behavior at school. And, please, keep all weapons out of the reach of children."

In a letter to parents, Aikens also reinforced the importance of protecting students, writing, "The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority."

Griffin is about 37 miles from Atlanta, Ga.

(H/T: Atlanta Journal Constitution)

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