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Superintendent: Loaded Gun Found In Aliquippa Kindergartener's Backpack

ALIQUIPPA (KDKA) -- An investigation is underway in Beaver County after school officials say a loaded gun was found in a kindergarten student's backpack.

The discovery was made Monday morning at Aliquippa Elementary School.

According to Superintendent David Wytiaz, another student notified the teacher who then secured the gun and contacted the principal.

"The weapon was removed without any visibility to any student; it never left the backpack," said Wytiaz.

Aliquippa Police were called.

"The weapon was a small .22-caliber revolver. It was loaded," said Chief Donald Couch, of the Aliquippa Police Department. "However, the gun was never in the possession anybody, it was just in the book bag."

Sources tell KDKA's Bob Allen that the boy said he brought the gun to school to get it out of his home, reportedly because he didn't want anyone in his house to get hurt.

"The student offered a very unique reason for having the gun," said Chief Couch. "That matter is being investigated by not only the school district but the Aliquippa Police Department. We don't believe there was any ill intentions by the student by any means."

Superintendent Wytiaz says the safety of the students was not compromised.

The school sent home a notification of the incident to parents Tuesday. Click here to read that letter.

The Aliquippa Police Department continues to investigate.

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