Mom charged after gun found in kindergartener's backpack at school in Cicero

CHICAGO (CBS) – A Cicero woman has been arrested for child endangerment and weapons charges, after putting a gun in her 5-year-old son's backpack, which was later found when he went to school.

The gun was found in the kindergartener's backpack during morning procedures at Columbus West Elementary School, located in the 5400 block of West 31st Street.

Superintendent Dr. Aldo Calderin of Cicero District 99 wrote the classroom's assistant was helping the student with their backpack. While trying to look for the student's ID, the assistant opened the backpack and found the handgun.

"At no time were any students or staff members in imminent danger. In coordination with the Cicero Police Department and the Columbus West Administration, the situation was immediately contained and no one was injured."

As reported by CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot, Cicero police said the boy's mother, 35-year-old Marissa Embrey, had placed the gun in the boy's backpack to take it to her vehicle. She then drove him to school and forgot to take the gun out of the backpack before dropping him off.

"Who knows what would've happened if that teacher assistant didn't find it."

Parent Cynthia Salgado has a son in third grade at the elementary school.

"It just baffled me bad just because we're talking about a kindergarten, technically a five-year-old, six-year-old having that," she said. 

Parent Edgar Bustamante's son also attends third grade at the school. 

"My thoughts, honestly just, it comes to the parents. How is it even possible for a kindergarten to like have a gun with them in school premises?"

Embrey has been charged with misdemeanor counts of endangering the life of a child and carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited area, police said. Cicero police also notified Illinois State Police regarding Embrey's concealed carry license and Firearm Owner's Identification card.

Police said Embrey has been released from custody after posting a $100 cash bond. She is due to appear in court in Maywood on Sept. 13.

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