Elementary Student Finds Gun In Idaho Falls Park, Brings It To School

A gun was found in the backpack of a student at Dora Erickson Elementary School on Thursday.

Idaho Falls Police said the 10-year-old student found the firearm while playing at Central Park on Holmes Avenue and Cleveland Street earlier in the week. On Thursday, the student put it in a backpack and brought it to school. The .25 semi-automatic handgun was not loaded, but ammunition was also in the backpack.

“There is no indication (the student) meant any harm to anybody or had ill intent, but we still take these matter very seriously,” said Margaret Wimborne of Idaho Falls School District 91, adding that the school has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to weapons on campus.

The gun was discovered around lunchtime. School officials immediately took action, said Wimborne.

The student was suspended until a due process hearing in five days.

Police said it is a misdemeanor to possess a weapon or firearm on school property.

School officials are working with the Idaho Falls Police Department, and both are investigating the incident.

“While guns are common in Idaho, we encourage parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, to ensure guns are stored safely and securely and that children don?t have access to them,” said Idaho Falls police in a news release.

The school district and police department are not disclosing the gender of the student or how school officials discovered the gun.