RICHMOND, Virginia – Administrators at the Virginia school where a first-grader shot his teacher last week discovered the youngster had a weapon in his possession prior to the shooting but did not find the 9mm handgun he carried despite inspecting his backpack, according to the superintendent of the school system.
Police claimed Friday that they were not informed of the information before the incident. According to Kelly King, a Newport News Investigators Department spokesperson, sometime after the shooting, police found via their investigation that a school staffer was warned of a possible gun at Richneck Elementary School before the January 6 shooting.
“Before the occurrence, the Newport News Police Department was not advised of this information,” King stated in an email.
The Newport News school district’s spokesperson, Michelle Price, declined to comment on the police statement. She explained that when school officials receive a tip about a weapon or other contraband in the schools if the tip includes specific information about a specific student or a certain classroom, “that’s when the search begins.”
Nothing Was Found At The Time
“I’m unable to comment on whether more searches may have taken place, except that the superintendent has stated that the student’s backpack was examined and nothing was found at the time,” said Price
During an online conference with parents Thursday night, Superintendent George Parker stated that at least one school administrator was informed the youngster might have a weapon before the 6-year-old shot the teacher.
WAVY-TV was the first to report on Parker’s remarks.
The online meeting was intended only for parents, but WAVY-TV reported that the station acquired access to the meeting through a parent. Price verified the superintendent’s remarks on Friday.
Gun Was In The Boy’s School Bag
According to Police Chief Steve Drew, the youngster took the gun to school in his bag on the day of the incident.
Price claims she has not been told where school officials believe the pistol was found while searching the boy’s backpack.
“That is most likely part of our internal inquiry and the police investigation, but nothing about that has been made public,” Price added.
She declined to answer when asked who reported the youngster having a weapon and whether school administrators should have taken more precautions when the weapon was not located in his backpack.
Abigail Zwerner, 25, was shot, and her injuries were initially thought to be life-threatening. Her condition has improved, and she is now stable at a hospital.
There Was No Warning Before He Shot
The incident happened as Zwerner was conducting her class on January 6. According to authorities, there was no warning or struggle before the 6-year-old youngster pointed the rifle at Zwerner.
Drew stated that the shooting was planned. A judge will decide what happens next for the youngster, who is being held in a medical institution due to an emergency custody order.
The boy used his mother’s legally acquired rifle. It’s unclear how he obtained the firearm. It is a crime in Virginia to leave a loaded pistol where a child under the age of 14 can obtain it.
SOURCE – (AP)
