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.