Fort Mohave, AZ — An 8-year-old boy was taken into custody on Monday after a loaded gun was discovered at Fort Mohave Elementary School, authorities confirmed. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office reported that school staff notified deputies shortly before noon, alerting them that a student had brought a weapon to school.
Before law enforcement arrived, school administrators acted swiftly to remove the student from the classroom and secure the firearm, preventing it from falling into the hands of other students.
Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation found that the 8-year-old student had been holding a loaded handgun, displayed it to several classmates, and even passed it to another student. An uninvolved student overheard the situation and immediately informed the principal, prompting school staff to intervene and remove the weapon from other students’ reach.
Deputies conducted interviews with the student, the parent, and the student who briefly took possession of the firearm. Investigators also determined that a threat was made against a teacher while the first student had control of the gun, as per the reports.
Arrest and Charges
The child was arrested and transported to Mohave County Juvenile Detention Center. He faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Disorderly conduct
- Minor in possession of a firearm
- Interfering with an educational institution
- Threatening/intimidating
These charges reflect the severity of the incident and the risks posed to students and staff at the school.
Weapon Origin and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not confirmed how the child obtained the handgun. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether any additional students will face charges for their possible involvement in the incident.
School and law enforcement officials emphasized that no students or staff were physically harmed during the event, and the quick response of school personnel prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
Community Reaction and Safety Measures
The incident has raised concerns among parents and community members about school safety and firearm access among children. Officials encouraged vigilance, reporting unusual activity, and ensuring that firearms are stored securely at home.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with school administrators to review safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
What measures do you think schools should take to prevent incidents involving firearms and minors?
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