Police: Gun found in boy’s backpack at West Columbus school

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A 10-year-old boy was arrested after a West Columbus school staff member found a gun in his backpack Thursday.

Thursday morning, Columbus police were dispatched to Westgate Alternative Elementary School on Wicklow Road for a report of a gun found in a backpack.

An elementary school employee found a gun in the boy’s backpack and reported the weapon Columbus Police Dept. As a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown for nearly an hour while the incident was investigated.

Sergeant Iospeh Albert said 10 television that the boy was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon on school grounds.

Jacqueline Bryant, director of communications for Columbus City Schools, applauded those who came forward to report the concern, saying it demonstrates “see something, say something.”

“Columbus City Schools has a zero tolerance policy for the possession of any item that could be considered a weapon or potentially dangerous to others in the school environment. Additionally, our Student Success Guide also explains the consequences of bringing prohibited items to school, including potentially suspension or expulsion,” Bryant said in a written statement.