A 7-year-old Kent boy saw a handgun at home, thought it was neat, stuck it in his backpack and brought it Tuesday to Soos Creek Elementary on the East Hill.
When the boy reached into his backpack near the end of the school day, the unloaded gun fell to the classroom floor, said Chris Loftis, spokesman for the Kent School District. Two other students saw the gun.
“We wished they had not picked it up,” Loftis said in a phone interview. “But they thought it was a toy gun.”
The students took the gun to the teacher. The principal was notified, 911 was called and the classroom emptied. Kent Police and school security arrived on the scene at 12651 S.E. 218th Pl.
“He (the boy) saw the gun at home, thought it was neat and brought it to school,” Loftis said. “There was no intent to threaten anyone. He’s a really small kid who made a huge error.”
Kent Police continue to investigate the case.
“We have interviewed the child, his mother, and the mother’s roommate who owns the weapon,” said Kent Police Assistant Chief Pat Lowery in an email. “We have inspected and documented the condition of the weapon as it was found at the school. We will be working with the mother and CPS (Child Protective Services) to address any behavioral concerns related to the child that may arise from our investigation.”
As far as any criminal charges in the case, Lowery said the boy at age 7 by state law is presumed incapable of committing a crime. But once police finish the investigation, the case will be given to prosecutors to review to determine whether the mother or roommate will face any kind of charge.
“A prosecutorial review will be done in relation to all involved in this incident,” Lowery said.
District officials said Soos Creek Elementary staff members are to be commended for their quick and professional actions to make sure all students were safe.
Families were notified of the circumstances and assured the school was safe by a phone call Tuesday from the school district. A letter with more information was sent to parents on Wednesday.
Extra counselors were at the school Wednesday to help students and parents cope with the incident.
Loftis said the boy did not attend school on Wednesday. He said the district is trying to determine what steps to take in connection to the boy’s future at the school.
The school district cannot discuss specific measures taken against students. But Loftis said something will be done.
“This was a traumatic incident but fortunately it was not tragic,” he said. “We do not want to ruin a kid’s life before it starts. But we do need to find a balance. There will be a robust review at every level.”
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