Letty M Lopez: Virginia mom is charged after her 6-yr-old child brings LOADED handgun to Little Creek Elementary School
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA: A six-year-old student's mother was charged after the child brought a handgun to school in Virginia. Officers were called on Friday, February 17, after staff at Little Creek Elementary School found a handgun with the child. When they arrived, the school turned over the weapon to the police.
The child's mother, Letty M Lopez, 35, has now been charged in connection with the incident. "As a result of the investigation, Letty M. Lopez, 35, of Norfolk, has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and allowing access to a loaded firearm by children. Lopez was released on a criminal summons," police said, as per an official statement.
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Norfolk Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Washington confirmed that police arrived at the school after students were dismissed for the day. By that time, other children had been sent back home. “School administration immediately enacted safety and security protocols including calling Norfolk Police,” Washington said. “School administration also immediately contacted division leadership and the Communications office," Washington said, according to CNN.
Has division increased security in schools?
Washington said that in recent years, the division has worked to increase security in the schools. Video doorbell cameras have reportedly been installed, ID checks for visitors have been enforced and everyone who enters the buildings is now required to undergo a background check through its visitor management system.
The school board is now considering a budget proposal including the purchase of weapons detection systems for all schools in the division. They are also looking to upgrade school security cameras, hire 18 additional security officers, and create security supervisory positions, said Washington.
Previous similar incidents
A 58-year-old man was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor last week after an unloaded gun was reportedly discovered inside the backpack of a child, 6, at a North Carolina school. In another incident this week, a woman from the Philadelphia area was arrested after her six-year-old son was allegedly caught with a gun on school property, as per CNN.
In January this year, a six-year-old boy allegedly shot a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia. He was subsequently taken into custody. Police Chief Steve Drew said at the time that “this was not an accidental shooting," according to CNN.