Gun Discharges in Third Grader’s Backpack at Battle Creek School

A frightening situation played out at a Michigan elementary school when a third-grade student brought a gun to school Tuesday, and the firearm discharged inside the building.

Gun Discharges Inside Battle Creek Elementary School

According to the City of Battle Creek and police, the student brought the gun to Ann J. Kellogg Elementary School in a backpack. The firearm discharged in a hallway Tuesday morning, September 22. No students were injured.

The gun was immediately secured by a staff member, and the school was placed on lockdown. Battle Creek police responded to the school around 8:30 a.m. and the lockdown was later lifted.

Police Investigating How Child Got the Gun

Police say the student's parent came to the school, where officers obtained a statement from the child. Investigators also searched the home where the child had been staying, looking for additional weapons or evidence connected to the incident.

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Police say additional evidence was collected during that search, and the case is expected to be submitted to the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office for review of possible charges. Because the investigation involves a juvenile, police say they are not releasing additional information at this time.

Were There Prior Threats Made to the School?

The school district says there were no threats reported before the incident. Staff and law enforcement followed established safety protocols, and the building was temporarily locked down while officers checked and cleared the school.

FOX 17 reports that the district also planned additional law enforcement and security personnel at the school, along with crisis counselors, social workers and mental health professionals to help students and staff who needed support.

Security and Counseling Added at School

And there's another security measure being used at Ann J. Kellogg. Battle Creek Public Schools has added non-invasive weapon detection systems at the elementary school following Tuesday's incident. The district asked families to allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes for morning drop-off while students get used to the new system.

Police say the incident is also a reminder of the importance of securely storing firearms and preventing children from accessing them. The Battle Creek Police Department says officers have arrested 15 juveniles for firearm possession since February, including four in the past 30 days.