Handgun found in New Albany Elementary student’s backpack

New Albany officials found a loaded handgun in an elementary school student’s book bag Thursday morning.

In a message to families, New Albany-plains school officials wrote that after arriving at school, some elementary students said they saw what seemed to be an “air pistol” or gun on the school bus. School administrators and the New Albany Police Department quickly responded to New Albany Primary School and found the loaded handgun in the student’s book bag.

“Please be assured that we are doing everything within our power to ensure that all students who attend New Albany-plain Local Schools are in a safe and healthy environment,” district officials wrote. “This inappropriate action by a student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from school and/or court action as permissible by law.”

The district added that the student involved was not at school Thursday, and that the police department did not recommend restrictions for the campus “since this is an isolated event.”

The message also requested that parents make sure weapons at home are secure and not accessible to students, and pushed the district’s “See Something, Say Something” helpline.

“Students, parents, staff, and community members must continue to report information, conversations, social media posts, or rumors that jeopardize the safety and welfare of anyone on our school campus,” officials wrote. “The administration, working with the police, will determine the credibility of any information reported and will act accordingly.” mylee@dispatch.com @leem386