VAN BUREN (KFSM) -- A Van Buren student and parents are facing charges after the student reportedly brought a stolen gun to school, according to Detective Jonathan Wear.
According to Wear, a 10-year-old student at Central Elementary School brought a stolen handgun to school Jan. 29.
Wear said the student showed the gun to students during the day, but none of the students alerted school officials or police. One student told a parent that evening and the parents alerted police, according to Wear.
After investigation, it was discovered both parents of the student were aware he had taken a gun to school. Wear said the parents came up with a story to cover up the offense. They later changed their story and led investigators to the gun, which had been hidden in their backyard.
The student was arrested and is facing charges of possession of a handgun on school property and theft by receiving. Ruben and Melissa Granados are both facing charges of theft by receiving and tampering with physical evidence.
Wear said investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the theft of the handgun.
The school resource officers with Van Buren police are working closely with the school to educate students on the importance of immediately reporting these incidents.
Many parents have asked why the district would not notify them of the incident. When asked by 5NEWS about policies concerning this matter and notifying parents, the district released the following statement:
"Tuesday morning, the district was made aware of an incident involving an elementary student bringing a stolen handgun to campus the day prior. The district immediately contacted law enforcement officers to handle the situation and the student is no longer on campus. The district will continue to work with law enforcement in its investigation of this matter. As for the student, the district cannot legally discuss student information. However, the district takes this issue very seriously, as the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. There will be no further comment from the district regarding this matter."