7-year-old injured in accidental gun discharge at freetown elementary school

A second-grade student at Freetown Elementary School in Glen Burnie suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the hand on Wednesday morning around 8:30 a.m. The 7-year-old boy was taken to Shock Trauma with non-life-threatening injuries. Other students were present in the classroom during the accidental discharge, but no other injuries were reported. Anne Arundel County police are investigating how the child obtained the weapon and why it was discharged.

The incident occurred inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School. The accidental gun discharge led to the student sustaining injuries to his hand. First responders were notified, and a teacher secured the weapon and provided aid to the injured child.

"None of us can imagine the terror or the fear that students experienced here this morning, and the teacher," said Police Chief Amal Awad.

The child was transported to Shock Trauma for treatment of his injuries. County fire officials confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening.

Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their investigation will focus on how the child gained possession of the weapon. They are also seeking to understand the reasons behind the weapon's discharge.

During the incident, the school building was placed on hold. Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell stated that the school would dismiss students early at 11:15 a.m. Bus riders were scheduled to be taken home on their normal routes.

"We think that there's a lot of trauma not only for the students, but for the faculty and staff," Bedell said.

Crisis counselors were made available on-site Wednesday and Thursday. These counselors were present to support both students and parents affected by the event. Classes were scheduled to resume on Thursday.

The teacher's quick actions were acknowledged by authorities. The teacher secured the firearm and provided immediate assistance to the injured student. This response was crucial in managing the situation until first responders arrived.

"We are very grateful that the teacher was very responsive in addressing that child's injuries and making sure first responders were notified," Awad said.

The presence of other students in the classroom during the accidental shooting has been confirmed. Fortunately, no other students sustained any injuries as a result of the incident. The focus of the investigation remains on the possession and discharge of the weapon.

The early dismissal was implemented to allow students and staff to process the traumatic event. The school district emphasized the emotional impact on the entire school community. The provision of crisis counseling services aimed to address the psychological needs arising from the incident.

The investigation into the origin of the weapon is a key component of the police inquiry. Understanding how the firearm entered the school and came into the possession of a student is paramount. This aspect of the investigation will likely involve interviews and a review of school safety protocols.

The timeline of events indicates the incident occurred shortly after the school day began. The 8:30 a.m. timeframe highlights the disruption to normal school operations. The swift response from school staff and emergency services was critical in managing the immediate aftermath.

The involvement of the Anne Arundel County police department underscores the seriousness of the incident. Their role is to determine the facts and ensure accountability where necessary. The investigation will proceed to establish a clear sequence of events.

The superintendent's remarks highlight the emotional toll on the school community. The trauma experienced by students and staff is a significant concern. The availability of support services is intended to mitigate the long-term effects of this event.

The decision to resume classes on Thursday indicates a plan to restore normalcy to the school environment. However, the presence of ongoing support services suggests that the healing process will be gradual. The school district is committed to providing a safe and supportive atmosphere for its students.

The specific details regarding the type of weapon and its origin are expected to be part of the ongoing police investigation. The focus remains on the child's self-inflicted gunshot wound and the circumstances leading to it. The non-life-threatening nature of the injuries provides some relief amidst the concerning event.

The incident at Freetown Elementary School serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms. The investigation will aim to shed light on how such an incident could occur within a school setting. The community awaits the findings of the police inquiry.

The teacher's role in securing the weapon was a critical intervention. This action prevented further potential harm. The recognition of the teacher's prompt and effective response is a testament to their professionalism.

The early dismissal was a measure taken to ensure the well-being of the students. Allowing them to leave the school premises under supervision was deemed necessary. The district's communication regarding bus transportation aimed to reassure parents.

The trauma experienced by the young students is a primary concern. The presence of crisis counselors is a proactive step to address their emotional needs. The school's commitment to supporting its students extends beyond academic instruction.

The investigation will likely involve reviewing school security measures and protocols. Understanding how a weapon could be present in a classroom is a crucial aspect of preventing future incidents. The police department's thoroughness in their investigation is expected.

The superintendent's statement about the trauma experienced by faculty and staff also highlights the widespread impact of the event. Educators and school personnel are also deeply affected by such incidents. Support for them is equally important.

The resumption of classes on Thursday signifies a return to routine, but the emotional impact will likely linger. The school district's approach to managing the aftermath of this event will be closely watched. The well-being of the students remains the top priority.

The investigation into how the child gained possession of the weapon is a complex undertaking. It involves tracing the weapon's path and identifying any potential lapses in security or supervision. The police department will be working diligently to uncover all relevant facts.

The accidental discharge itself is a central point of the investigation. Understanding the mechanics of how the weapon was fired is essential. This information will contribute to the overall picture of the incident.

The fact that other students were present in the classroom underscores the potential for a larger tragedy. The absence of further injuries is a fortunate outcome. The focus remains on the injured student and the circumstances that led to his injury.

The police chief's statement conveys the gravity of the situation and the emotional distress experienced by those present. The use of the word "terror" reflects the severity of the fear that likely permeated the classroom.

The teacher's immediate response in securing the weapon was a decisive action. This prevented any further escalation of the incident. The teacher's role in providing aid and notifying emergency services was crucial.

The transportation of the child to Shock Trauma indicates the severity of the injury, even if non-life-threatening. The specialized care provided at such a facility suggests the need for immediate medical attention.

The ongoing investigation by the Anne Arundel County police department will be comprehensive. It will aim to provide answers to the questions surrounding this unfortunate event. The community awaits the findings of their inquiry.