Loaded gun found at Springfield elementary after tip from classmates

A loaded gun was found Thursday in the backpack of a Portland Elementary student.

A letter from Principal Josh Holt said two students reported seeing a student "with something that appeared to be a gun." A quick investigation turned up the gun in a student's backpack.

"We have no indication of any threats made to the school or any individuals in the school and the student indicated the student had no intention to use the gun at school," Holt wrote.

No injuries were reported.

Holt's letter states he wanted to reassure parents the school is "responding with the appropriate degree of concern to protect all students in our care."

District spokeswoman Teresa Bledsoe said the gun was discovered at 12:45 p.m. The school is located at 906 W. Portland St.

The letter described the steps taken by the school following the incident:

• School police officers responded and initiated an investigation.

• Student was transported to the Greene County Juvenile Justice Center.

• Other "appropriate disciplinary procedures outlined in board policy" were followed. A first offense is an automatic 10-day out-of-school suspension and a hearing that could result in a suspension of 180 days.

• Springfield Police Department is assisting with the investigation.

In the letter, Holt praised the students who reported "seeing something unusual."

"It is an important reminder that we all-students, staff and parents-share a responsibility for school safety and to report when we observe anything out of the ordinary or suspicious," he wrote.

Holt also noted in the letter that since the incident involved "a minor student" he was limited in the amount of detail he was able to provide.

"Even though I cannot discuss specific details with you, I do want you to know that we do our best every day to protect the safety of your child while they are at school," Holt wrote.

Asked about the age and grade of the student, Bledsoe cited federal privacy laws in declining to answer. She said providing that information might allow the community to identify the student.

Last year, there were more than 250 students attending the school in kindergarten through fifth grade.