12-year-old brings loaded gun to Fairfield Middle School, taken into custody

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 12-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday after they brought a loaded gun to Fairfield Middle School in Henrico County.

At around 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, a weapons detection system within Fairfield Middle School alerted administrators to a loaded gun found in a 12-year-old student's backpack, according to Henrico Police Chief Eric English.

The student was then taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

"That person has been arrested, so to speak, in terms of a juvenile arrest," English said.

English also said that the investigation is ongoing, as officials are still trying to determine how the student acquired the weapon.

"There could be other charges that could be potentially placed, but that's something that we're still working on trying to figure that part out," English said.

He encouraged parents to practice weapon storage safety, especially with children in the house.

Fairfield Middle School did not close as a result of the incident, as English said the school day was just starting, so school operations continued.

English said that more information will soon be provided in a press release, as well as a statement from Henrico County Public Schools.

This incident comes after there have also been threats received at Crenshaw Elementary School in Chesterfield County two days in a row.