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Student, 7, Brings Loaded Handgun To Elgin School; Adult Charged

 

ELGIN (CBS) -- Felony charges have been filed after a seven-year-old boy took a loaded handgun to school in Elgin Thursday morning.

Gun In Elgin School

It's an adult who's charged with two felonies: unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and no firearm owner identification card.

Elgin Police say 27-year-old Rashaad Byrd of Romeoville had been living in the same apartment in Elgin with the 7-year-old boy and his family. They say the boy found the loaded gun and took it to school in a backpack. A classmate reportedly saw the weapon and alerted adults, school officials said.

Rashaad Byrd, Gun Case Involving School
Rashaad Byrd (Elgin Police Dept.)

In addition to the two felonies, Byrd is charged with child endangerment, a misdemeanor.

Authorities say Byrd has a long arrest record and has done prison time.

Officials at Gifford Elementary School called police after the 9-mm handgun was found in the boy's backpack.

A spokesman for the school district wouldn't comment on whether the boy would be disciplined.

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