Preschooler Caught With Handgun At Metro Detroit School: Police

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI — Police are investigating after officials found a handgun in a preschooler's backpack at a metro Detroit school Tuesday, according to police.

The incident happened at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Schwarzkoff Elementary School in Sterling Heights, according to police.

Police said a teacher found the gun in the child’s backpack and notified officials.

Officers immediately secured the gun and said there is no threat to the school community, police said.

School officials said the handgun is registered to the child's parent, but investigators were still trying to determine how the gun ended up in the child's backpack.

Police said any potential criminal charges will be submitted to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

"We would like to commend the teacher and our staff for taking immediate action. As you know, Utica Community Schools has strict protocols to ensure the health and safety of our students. These protocols and the diligence of our staff ensured the safety of our staff and students," school officials said in a statement.

Anyone with information should call the Sterling Heights Police Department at 586-446-2945.