Gun Found in Backpack of SPS Early Childhood Student, Investigation Underway

Springfield Police and Springfield Public Schools are investigating after a loaded gun was found in the backpack of a student at Mallory Early Childhood Center.

Principal Melissa Knetzer said in a statement that a member of the staff at the school located the gun in the backpack of a three-year-old student.

That staff member immediately secured the weapon and contacted school police.

Authorities say the child did not know the gun was in the backpack.

The gun was never discharged, and no injuries occurred with the incident.