Authorities are investigating a discovery at Harrisburg Elementary School after a loaded handgun and a knife were found inside a five-year-old student’s bookbag Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred during the school’s dismissal period. According to officials, a teacher assisting the kindergarten student with his belongings noticed a knife inside the bag. School administration and the on-site school resource officer were immediately notified. A subsequent search of the bag by the officer uncovered both the knife and a loaded .380 caliber pistol.
Both weapons were seized without incident, and the student’s parents were called to the school shortly thereafter.
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Preliminary findings suggest the student may have been unaware of the weapons’ presence. Investigators stated that, currently, there is no evidence to suggest the child brought the items to school with the intent to use them or present them in a hostile manner.
While the school returned to normal operations following the seizure, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized that they will take appropriate action based on the final results of the inquiry.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the ownership of the weapons or the circumstances leading up to the incident to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can be submitted via:
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Phone: 803-283-3388 (Option 4)
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Web: www.p3tips.com/983
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Mobile: The P3Tips app (available on Apple and Android)
All tips may be made anonymously.
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