Deputies: Gun, drugs found on fifth-grader

Scotland Neck, N.C. — Halifax County sheriff's deputies say they found a gun and drugs on a fifth grade student.

"It is a rural, small elementary school,” Halifax schools spokesman Keith Hoggard said.

Hoggard said a student came to Dawson Elementary School, 6878 Old 125 Road in Scotland Neck, last week with a loaded handgun in his bookbag.

"This was a shock,” Hoggard said.

Deputies say the 10-year-old boy showed off the weapon to other students on the school bus and in class. No students reported seeing the gun until the school day was over, deputies said.

"We are lucky nobody was hurt,” said Lt. Bobby Martin with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy said when he pulled the boy aside the next day at school, he found drugs.

"He found a dime bag, which is a small amount of marijuana,” Hoggard said.

Marijuana was also found on another student, Hoggard said. That student was 11 years old.

"It is hard for somebody my age to understand,” Hoggard said.

It was not immediately clear where the students got the weapon and drugs. Deputies said they are looking into whether their parents will face charges.

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Latest Comments

Dr. Dataclerk, you took the words right out of my mouth. there are no excuses. The parents shoulder ALL of the responsibility in this case.

lawpirate is still around
September 24, 2008 4:59 p.m.

The parents should have to anti-up on this one. Ten and eleven years old...this is truly sad.

familyfour
September 24, 2008 1:26 p.m.

I don't believe what is being infered by Batcave means over the last 30 years Travised. I'm going out on a limb here, but I would guess that folks such as yourself ane I while growing up were taught the responsible way of dealing with guns and what they were for and the potential they had for serious harm. What I think Batcave is pointing to is in much more recent times of perhaps the past 5-10 years in which there has been a virtual explosion of children carrying handguns to school. I'm not agreeing with the statement but I'm not going to disagree if what I have said here is more in line with the purpose of that statement. Just my opinion.

Cragsdale
September 24, 2008 12:27 p.m.

"statisticaly kids who have easy access to a gun , means the male of the household has a criminal record."

Statistically people on the internets make false statements.

I'd love to see you back this up.

fletchermse
September 24, 2008 12:16 p.m.

This is a good opportunity to send a good message to the communities. Just yesterday students died in a shooting in a catering school in Finland. one student was beating at Wakefield High in Raleigh. What or who is next? We do not need another Columbine School episode here, These kids and their parents have to be confronted and punished so others will learn. Any drastic measures are better that crying for death students.

ibbott41
September 24, 2008 12:11 p.m.