PHOENIX — The school year just started and already several guns have been confiscated from students.
At least five weapons were found at four different schools across the Valley in August, according to police reports.
“There’s been too many already," Phoenix police Sgt. Rob Scherer said. “There’s no place for it, no need for it in any way shape or form.”
The most recent incident happened Monday afternoon at Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary School where the principal said a gun was placed in a student's backpack by mistake.
Scherer said parents who keep guns in their homes should have conversations with their children about safety.
“If there are guns in home, make kids aware of it. Teach them gun safety. Make them understand that’s not their business to necessarily touch them at that time," Scherer said.
Of the incidents where students brought guns to school on purpose, the weapons were confiscated before being used.
Superintendent Tom Horne told 12News there should be zero tolerance for guns on campus, adding students who break the rules should face a suspension or expulsion.
“Bringing a gun to school is a very serious offense and it has to have serious consequences if we’re going to minimize that from happening," Horne said.
Phoenix police have a group of detectives who work on these cases. They are investigating the incident here at Estrella Elementary. No arrests have been made.
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