Elementary student suspended for bringing BB gun to Southeast Missouri school

SENATH, Mo. -- A Senath-Hornersville Elementary student was suspended last week after bringing a BB gun to school.

The student brought the BB gun from his home, according to Senath Chief of Police Omar Karnes. When asked about the gun, the student in question said he brought it to show to a friend, Karnes said.

The student informed Karnes that the friend had brought his aerosol gun to school the previous week.

"He knew he was in the wrong for bringing the gun, because he tried to hide it in his back pack and became nervous when the teacher searched the students' back packs," Karnes said.

The teacher searched each of the students' back packs following several students informing her that a back pack contained a gun, added Karnes.

The search took place in the afternoon when the buses arrived for students to return home, according to Senath-Hornersville Superintendent, Larry Woods.

Once the gun was discovered, the student and his back pack were transported to the elementary principal's office and then directed to the superintendent's office, according to Karnes.

As a result, the student was suspended from school for three days, Woods noted.

"We will be checking back packs at school to insure student safety," Woods said in response to the incident. "We will also be looking to incorporate education programs regarding gun safety."

Woods added that he had contacted the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office about incorporating this type of program in the school.