A second-grade boy was caught carrying an unloaded Derringer pistol in Wenonah Elementary School, prompting police to confiscate the weapon Thursday.
Police spokesman Sgt. Kelly Walker on Thursday said the boy and a few friends found the gun while exploring an abandoned house in the city.
"This house had recently been moved out of and they thought they had gotten everything," Walker said.
In their exploration of the home, the students found knives, fishing gear and the gun.
"Apparently [the kids] thought that was cool and they took it to school on Tuesday and shared it," Walker said. "Our investigation involved trying to track it back to its rightful owner."
When the student brought the gun back to class on Thursday, his classmates saw it in his pants pocket and told their teacher. Walker said the school is dealing with the boy through their own internal procedures.
"For folks like superintendents and principals, the one thing we always have to ask is what was the intent," said Waynesboro School Superintendent Robin Crowder. "Through our interviews it was really about kids finding more of something that was a treasure to them. There was nothing malicious about it, but it was unfortunate."
Walker and Crowder praised the actions of school staff and the students who turned the boy in.
"They did exactly the right thing," Walker said.
Authorities said they do not anticipate charges against the child or the previous resident of the house.
Crowder said the student will face disciplinary action.
"We want kids to make better decisions about what they bring to school," Crowder said.
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