Nursery school teacher finds handgun in three-year-old child’s backpack
A dad has been taken into custody after his child’s teacher found a handgun in her backpack.
The toddler did not know about the weapon, which was discovered on Tuesday morning, according to US media reports.
It was only their second day at the Pre-K 4 SA’s West Education Center in the city of San Antonio, Texas.
Dad Pete Robles, 35, was arrested on charges of child endangerment and his kid was placed with Child Protective Services. His pre-trial hearing has been set for September 12.
Sarah Baray, the CEO of the branch’s umbrella school company Pre-K 4 San Antonio, sent a letter to parents which has been seen by news channel KENS 5.
It said ‘Please be assured that all children and staff are safe and secure, and that the matter is being handled.
‘The safety of children, families and staff is my top priority. While the gun was not brought into the centre intentionally and never reached the classroom, it is a serious matter that has caused us to re-evaluate our safety protocols.’
Staff have now implemented a temporary ban on backpacks ‘to allow them to determine how best to proceed in the long term’.
Any items brought from home have to be placed in a clear Ziplock bag.
Police chief William McManus said: ‘This incident underscores the important collaboration between the school faculty and law enforcement personnel. Swift action was taken to address the situation and make an arrest.
‘There are no current threats to the safety of the school or its students.’To provide further assurance, (police) will maintain an increased uniformed presence at the school for the foreseeable future.’
Earlier this week, the mum of a six-year-old boy who shot his teacher pleaded guilty to child neglect.
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