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Authorities: Boy, 15, Had Gun In Chicago Elementary School

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 15-year-old boy is accused of bringing a loaded gun to school and showing it off at Mollison Elementary School.

Mollison is a Safe Passage school in Bronzeville at 44th and King Drive.

Around 3:15 p.m. Monday, prosecutors say the principal found two students taking pictures with the loaded .38 gun in a bathroom and then he called police.

An eighth grader, Leon Bell, has been charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon as an adult.

Security personnel were at the school Tuesday and right before dismissal, parents were either called or given a letter.

Some parents complained that they should have been notified sooner.

"If something is going on in the school, I think they should let everybody know, especially the parents," said Mollison parent Jerome Anderson.

In court Tuesday, prosecutors said the 15-year-old suspect has a prior juvenile record for armed robbery.

CPS spokesman Joel Hood said in a statement, ""School officials responded to a tip Monday and recovered a weapon from a student at Mollison Elementary School. School officials took the appropriate safety steps and immediately contacted the Chicago Police Department, who confiscated the weapon. The appropriate discipline will be assigned to the student, and CPS will continue to be vigilant around creating positive, safe learning environments at all schools for teachers, students, and staff."

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