NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – An 8-year-old boy was taken into custody Thursday after he brought a gun to his Brooklyn elementary school, police said.
School officials found the gun in the boy’s backpack at P.S. 158 in East New York around 10:30 a.m. as they investigated a complaint from a parent.
The parent had reported to the school that her child was threatened with the weapon on Wednesday.
Police checked the weapon and confirmed it's a working firearm.
The boy was taken to the local precinct stationhouse, where he was to be questioned and picked up by his parents.
Letters are being sent to families to inform them of what happened, according to sources.
In a statement the Department of Education told 1010 WINS, "Guns have absolutely no place in the hands of our young people, and this incident is a deeply concerning example of the consequences of the proliferation of guns in our society and in our city."
"It’s extremely worrying when a child this young has access to such a dangerous weapon, and we are grateful for the partnership of our school communities in keeping our young people safe each day," the statement continued. "All safety procedures were followed in response to this incident, and all students and staff are safe. We’re working closely with NYPD and ACS follow-up actions, and to ensure this young person receives they supports they need."