Student brings loaded gun to elementary school, police say
Free Press wire reports | 2/22/2024, 6 p.m.
The Richmond Police Department announced a student brought a loaded gun to Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School on Tuesday, following reports of a gun on school property.
Police stated just before 3 p.m., officers were called to the school located at 2409 Webber Ave.
“Officers arrived, and staff at the school reported they were made aware of a juvenile student who had had a firearm in the school,” Richmond Police said Wednesday.
The gun does not appear to have been fired, and there were no injuries, James Mercante, a RPD spokesman, said Wednesday afternoon.
“Officers arrived and staff at the school reported they were made aware of a juvenile student who had been in possession of a firearm in the school. Officers recovered the firearm,” Mr. Mercante said.
Parents were concerned they were not notified until later in the day that a student had a gun during the school day.
RPS also issued a statement Wednesday.
“Safety and security is a top priority of Richmond Public Schools, and we take incidents like this extremely seriously. We strive to build a safe, positive, and healthy culture at all our schools. We ask for parent, caregiver, and community support in promoting safe and healthy behaviors, and in reporting any concerning behaviors or reports so that we can address them in a timely and safe manner.”
