Virginia Parents Arrested After Son Brings Unsecured Handgun to School, Gun Fires Accidentally

In a concerning incident in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, a pair of parents have been charged after their third-grade son accidentally discharged an unsecured handgun at Lee Hill Elementary School. The incident has raised serious questions about firearm safety and parental responsibility.

Virginia parents arrested

Ciara Armstead, 36, and Terrence Carroll Jr., 34, were taken into custody and charged with recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm so as to endanger the life or limb of a child under the age of 14, a misdemeanor. Additionally, they were charged with willfully or negligently causing or permitting the life of a child to be endangered, a felony.

The unfortunate incident unfolded when the third-grade child discovered an unsecured handgun in his home and placed it in his backpack before heading to school. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office reported that the child inadvertently pulled the trigger on the gun while reaching into his backpack during class, around 11 a.m. Fortunately, there were no physical injuries to any children or staff as a result of the accidental discharge.

Following the incident, the teacher promptly evacuated all 26 students from the classroom and informed the School Resource Officer. Fortunately, a swift response ensured the safety of the students and staff.

Ciara Armstead and Terrence Carroll Jr. have since been released on a $5,000 unsecured bond. They are scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Friday in Spotsylvania County Juvenile Domestic Court. It's worth noting that the child involved in the incident is not facing any charges.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing firearms to prevent access by children. The charges against the parents highlight the legal consequences of failing to ensure the safety of firearms in the home.

The incident has sparked discussions within the community about the need for increased awareness and education regarding firearm safety, particularly in households with children. Many are calling for stricter regulations and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.