Stolen gun found in 4th-grader’s backpack at south Charlotte school, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A stolen gun was found in the backpack of a fourth-grader at a south Charlotte school, police said.

Channel 9′s Mark Becker was told the little girl’s father called the school Wednesday morning, concerned about his daughter’s bookbag, wanting to be sure it was safe.

Someone at the school looked in that bookbag and they found the handgun and called police.

When officers got to the school, they found out the gun had actually been reported stolen, officials said. They believe the little girl didn’t know it was in her bag and didn’t plan to use it.

Police are working to figure out how the gun got into the fourth-grader’s backpack.

Authorities believe her father put it in there without her knowing. Channel 9 learned he could face charges since it was a stolen gun and he has a felony record and should not have a firearm.

Shaqua Maske has a son who attends Marie G. Davis K-8 School and said there were more police officers there than usual when she came to pick him up. She said she hadn’t heard about the gun.

“They didn’t inform anybody when it was going on. Hey, probably didn’t want to scare anybody, didn’t want anybody to be worried. But I’m glad that it was found before anything else happened, 'cause anybody’s child could’ve gotten hurt. She could’ve gotten hurt. That’s ridiculous,” said Maske.

Police said they’re going to talk to the little girl’s father, who we’re told lives near the school.

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Marie G. Davis K-8 School sent an email to families:

“Good afternoon Marie G. Davis Families, this is Principal Johnson with an important message. Today, we received a tip that there was a student on our campus with a firearm. The firearm was located in possession of a student and was immediately seized without incident. All students and staff remained safe. Our instructional day was not interrupted. It is a violation of CMS policy and state law to have a firearm on any CMS campus. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against anyone in violation. Parents, please speak to your child to remind them that our safety at school is a top priority and to not bring inappropriate items to school. Thank you for your support of Marie G. Davis.”

No other details have been released.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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