FRANKLIN, Va. — A 28-year-old woman is charged with contribution to the delinquency of a minor in Franklin, police said.
This comes after school administrators at S.P. Morton Elementary School found an unloaded gun inside a 5-year-old's backpack.
According to Franklin Police, a school staff member found the gun inside the five-year-old student's backpack. Police say the call came in around lunchtime after a school administrator noticed what looked like a weapon in the child’s backpack.
Investigators say they believe this is an isolated incident and there were no threats to students or staff.
Joel Jones is a firearms safety trainer and owner of Strong Arms Training Academy. He believes this incident is preventable with proper firearm education.
“You do want to kind of get in a kid's mind, ask those questions. Were you aware that it goes into that? Do you know who it belongs to? Did you touch the gun? Did you put the gun back,” Jones said.
Detectives say 28-year-old, Shayonna Boone, the mother of the 5-year-old, faces one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Officers released her on a summons.
If Shayonna Boone is convicted, the charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor can lead to a maximum of 12 months in jail or fines that can reach up to $2,500.
A message sent home to families from the principal Angela Fair read:
“We are taking every possible measure to prevent this kind of incident from happening again. Weapons of any kind are prohibited on school property in accordance with Franklin City Public Schools under Student Policy.”
The statement from the principal goes on to say division leaders are working with the School Resource Officer, the Franklin City Police Department, the Department of Social Services, and the Franklin City Public School Central Office Administration to address this incident.
Jones says all gun owners, especially ones with kids in their house, should be properly trained. He even recommends training with your kids.
“Do I need education and training when it comes to firearm safety in my home? If you've never had a gun, or if you're new to being a firearm owner, the answer should be yes. unequivocally yes,” Jones said.