Gun inside Kindergartner's backpack fires accidentally at Tenn. elementary school, report says
(CBS) MEMPHIS, Tenn. - School officials say no one was hurt after a Kindergarten student brought a gun to a Tennessee school in his backpack and the weapon accidentally discharged, according to CBS affiliate WREG.
The incident happened at 8:15 a.m. Thursday.
The station reports the gun accidentally went off while the child, 5, was at the cafeteria at Westside Elementary School in Frayser, Tenn.
The student was in police custody, reports the station. School officials say there was "no evidence" of "harmful intent."
The Shelby County Schools released the following statement:
"This morning at Westside Elementary School, a Kindergarten student brought a firearm to school in his backpack. While waiting for the opening bell in the cafeteria, the firearm discharged accidentally inside the child's backpack. Nobody was injured, and staff immediately took possession of the backpack. SCS Security and the Memphis Police Department responded quickly, and the matter is now under investigation. There is no evidence at this time of harmful intent; however, weapons of any kind are prohibited on campuses, and this student will be disciplined in accordance with the state's zero tolerance policy. The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. Staff is trained to handle emergency situations, and all students were kept safe and calm while this matter was handled."
