STONEWOOD, W.Va. — The Stonewood Police Department and Child Protective Services are investigating how a 6-year-old girl came in possession of a gun and brought it to Norwood Elementary School in Harrison County.
Dr. Mark Manchin, Superintendent of Harrison County schools, said the child had brought it to school to show a friend.
“It was not operational, and there was never any intent,” he said. “But I understand. Certainly, we understand the sensitivity–particularly in today’s society–of these things happening.”
He did, however, say that he was taking the incident, which occurred Thursday morning, seriously.
“I spoke to her,” Dr. Manchin said. “And we discussed that. And she said she just wanted to show it to her friend.”
Dr. Manchin said the first-grade student lives with her grandmother, but is not sure how she came in possession of the handgun.
“The bigger issue is how she was able to access the gun,” he said.
He also praised students and faculty for following the ‘see something, say something’ policy, which allowed staff to take possession of the firearm before the first classes had begun Thursday morning.
“One of the students saw it and brought it attention to the teacher who brought it to the attention of the principal who brought the child in,” Dr. Manchin said. “Went through the backpack, and sure enough, there it was.”
Dr. Manchin met with the student and her grandmother Friday morning.
“I have spoken to the little girl,” he said. “We are going to provide additional counseling, working with the child, trying to make sure she understands exactly the significance to assure, not only her safety, but the safety of other children and our employees.”
The Harrison County school system is continuing to monitor the situation.