FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A 7-year-old will not be charged after bringing a gun to school.
Fort Lauderdale Police responded to Dillard Elementary School, located at 2330 NW 12th Ct., just before 8 a.m., Friday, after staff at the school received information that a student had a gun on campus.
“I just seen all the cops and motorcycle cops,” said concerned grandparent Deborah Bosa. “I am very frightened for my grandson that’s over there.”
School administrators said a tip from another student led to the discovery.
“That was good. Whoever told, he’s a hero,” said Dora Anthony. “He’s a hero, the one that told.”
The student who brought the gun to school was likely a second or third grade student.
Many at the school reacted and blamed the parents.
“When you get licensed for it, it should be locked up, you know, a 7-year-old shouldn’t be able to get his hands on it,” said Anthony.
“So they won’t hurt themselves or worse, even kill themselves mistakenly by handling a gun — something that serious at that age and stuff,” said Bosa. “The parents also shouldn’t have something that serious out in the loose and around those kids. It’s just crazy and senseless.”
“That’s crazy. I don’t understand why parents would let their kids get a hold of a gun. That’s not safe at all,” said Mareshia Richardson.
This is the second time in months a child has brought a gun to school in Broward County.
“What’s in your bag, buddy?” asked an officer.
“I don’t know,” said the child, heard on body camera footage.
Back in October, a similar situation occurred at Walker Elementary School. A 10-year-old had brought a 10mm to school.
Authorities said the school’s guardian was able to speak with the child and locate the handgun.
The handgun was recovered safely.
The 7-year-old was detained, but police said the child was interviewed by detectives and will not be charged, at this time. They added detectives have been in contact with the child’s parents.
The school was initially placed on a code red and was on code yellow by noon, but by 2:30 p.m. operations had returned to normal.
The Broward County Public Schools Board released a statement reading in part, “The student involved will face appropriate school disciplinary measures. The District commends the student who did the right thing – seeing something and saying something. At all times, the safety and security of our students and staff are our highest priorities.”
It remains unclear on whether or not the parents or legal guardian will be charged.
Many people that 7News spoke to said the child or parents should at least go to a program to find out how to manage or handle a gun.
Police continue to investigate.
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