ELGIN (CBS) – Felony charges have been filed after a seven-year-old boy took a loaded handgun to school in Elgin Thursday morning.
It’s an adult who’s charged with two felonies: unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and no firearm owner identification card.
Elgin Police say 27-year-old Rashaad Byrd of Romeoville had been living in the same apartment in Elgin with the 7-year-old boy and his family. They say the boy found the loaded gun and took it to school in a backpack. A classmate reportedly saw the weapon and alerted adults, school officials said.
Rashaad Byrd (Elgin Police Dept.)
In addition to the two felonies, Byrd is charged with child endangerment, a misdemeanor.
Authorities say Byrd has a long arrest record and has done prison time.
Officials at Gifford Elementary School called police after the 9-mm handgun was found in the boy’s backpack.
A spokesman for the school district wouldn’t comment on whether the boy would be disciplined.
