5-Year-Old Boy Brings Loaded Handgun to Northern Florida Elementary School

(CBS/WTEV/AP) Students in music class at a northern Florida elementary school were worrying about more than high notes, after one of their pre-kindergarten classmates brought a loaded gun to class.

The Palatka Police Department responded to Moseley Elementary School last Tuesday after learning that a 5-year-old boy had brought a 22-caliber semi-automatic handgun to school.

According to CBS affiliate WTEV, the gun fell out of the student's pocket during music class.

Luckily, no one was hurt.

"We did find that the magazine of the weapon was loaded, but there was not a round in the chamber," Assistant Chief of Police James Griffith told CBS affiliate WTEV.

The young boy, who has since been suspended for an undetermined amount of time, told police that he found the gun in his stepfather's vehicle on the way to school that morning.

"I think it was a matter of curiosity with the child. The child did not threaten anyone with the weapon or brandish it in any way."

Superintendent Tom Townsend says he is unaware if the child realizes the severity of the situation and ultimately, places blame on the child's parent.

"As a father that's raised three kids, I'm responsible for what my 5 year old accesses. So, yes, I think he's a victim of neglect."

Police say that if the boy's story proves to be true, the parent could face neglect charges as well as culpable negligence for improperly storing a firearm within the reach of a child.