Police: 1st-grader found with handgun inside backpack at Oakland Elementary in Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Police are now investigating after a student was found in possession of a handgun at a Suffolk elementary school.

According to police, the incident occurred at Oakland Elementary in the 5000 block of Godwin Boulevard Thursday. Officers responded to the school after administrators told them about a student believed to be in possession of a weapon.

The student was promptly searched and found to be in possession of a weapon, which was turned over to the police.

A preliminary investigation of the incident revealed that a household member of the first-grader placed the handgun in the student’s backpack and it was never removed which led to the student bringing the firearm on school grounds.

Police say the weapon was not brandished or pointed at any individual during the incident. The next day, 27-year-old Keydran Leary was served with multiple warrants including allowing access to firearms by children, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and reckless handling of a firearm.

In a letter sent Thursday to parents and guardians at Oakland Elementary, Principal Candace Myrick assured parents that “immediate disciplinary actions” were taken.

“We appreciated that our students feel comfortable bringing safety concerns to our attention,” said Principal Myrick, stating that student safety is their top priority.

No further information has been released.

10 On Your Side reached out to officials to ask for more information about the incident, including what kind of weapon it was that made it on school grounds.