Arizona 8-Year-Old Arrested After Loaded Gun Found at Elementary School

An 8-year-old student was arrested Monday after a loaded handgun was found at Fort Mohave Elementary School in Arizona, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded shortly before noon after school staff reported that a child had brought a weapon to campus. Administrators removed the student from the classroom and secured the firearm before deputies arrived.

Investigators determined the student had held the loaded handgun, shown it to classmates, and then handed it to another student. A different student overheard what happened and informed the principal, which allowed staff to intervene. Deputies interviewed the student, his parent, and the second student who handled the weapon. During those interviews, officials learned a threat had been made against a teacher while the student had the firearm.

The student was taken into custody and transported to Mohave County Juvenile Detention Center. He faces multiple felony charges, including misconduct involving weapons, disorderly conduct, minor in possession of a firearm, interfering with an educational institution, and threatening or intimidating. Authorities have not confirmed how the child obtained the weapon. The investigation remains open as deputies evaluate whether charges may be filed against the second student.

Original source: 8 News Now.