Elementary school student in Arizona brings gun to school

PHOENIX (CBS, KYMA) - An investigation is underway after a third grader reportedly brought a loaded gun to school Monday morning.

Just before 1:00 p.m., an employee at Copper Basin K-8 School told police they saw an eight-year-old child showing a 9mm handgun to friends and immediately intervened, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

School staff secured the weapon without incident and confirmed it was loaded. There was also no threat made, and it is unclear if the school was ever placed into lockdown.

Upon hearing about this through an email from the school, Renee Karie immediately started thinking of her two boys who attend school there.

"It scares the living bejesus out of me. That's where the what if comes in," Karie expressed.

While she knew no one was hurt, Karie worries what it means for the future of school safety, and right now, she has ideas about how to increase security.

"I think implementing clear backpacks amongst all schools in Arizona would be a great idea because you don't always know what your kid has."

Meanwhile, another parent, Gabriel Segoviano, says he didn't know about it until a neighbor called him.

"You go through a whole chain of emotions, but the first one is kind of a disbelief but then the next 30-40 minutes you find yourself pretty upset about the situation."

He echoes Karie's concerns about safety and communication, but also says it's the parents who are responsible.

PSCO is investigation, and so far, no charges have been filed against the parents at the time of this writing.