Second grader accidentally shoots himself inside Anne Arundel County classroom; suffers non-life-threatening injuries
A second-grade student suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound at an elementary school in Glen Burnie on Wednesday morning, according to Anne Arundel County police.
The accidental gun discharge happened inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School around 8:30 a.m.
Child injured during accidental shooting
The 7-year-old boy suffered injuries to his hand, police said. Other students were in the classroom at the time, but no other injuries were reported.
"None of us can imagine the terror or the fear that students experienced here this morning, and the teacher," said Police Chief Amal Awad.
According to police, a teacher secured the weapon and provided aid to the student.
"We are very grateful that the teacher was very responsive in addressing that child's injuries and making sure first responders were notified," Awad said.
The child was taken to Shock Trauma with non-life-threatening injuries after the incident, according to county fire officials.
Police are now investigating how the child gained possession of the weapon and why it was discharged.
Students dismissed early
According to Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, the building was placed on hold during the incident.
Freetown Elementary will dismiss students at 11:15 a.m., and bus riders will be taken home on their normal routes, district officials said.
"We think that there's a lot of trauma not only for the students, but for the faculty and staff," Bedell said.
Crisis counselors will be on site Wednesday and Thursday for students and parents. Bedell said classes will resume on Thursday.