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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.

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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