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The discovery of a gun in a 5-year-old student’s bookbag on Wednesday morning, March 6, at S.P. Morton Elementary School led to a Franklin Police Department investigation that resulted in the child’s mother being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

An FPD news release stated that at around 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, the department was notified by the school administration at S.P. Morton in Franklin that they had discovered a firearm inside a 5-year-old student’s bookbag. 

FPD officers responded to the school and began their investigation, the release stated, adding that the investigation determined the incident to be an isolated one, the weapon was unloaded, and there were no threats to any other students or faculty at the school. 

Police stated that based upon the criminal investigation completed by the FPD, one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor was obtained, and 28-year-old Shayonna Boone, the 5-year-old’s mother, was released on a summons on that charge on Wednesday, March 6.

If anyone has information about this incident or other criminal activity within the city of Franklin, they are asked to call Franklin Police at 757-562-8575, Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-516-7100, or contact the FPD online at p3tips.com. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.

S.P. Morton Principal Angela E. Fair sent a letter to S.P. Morton families on March 6 that was posted on the Franklin City Public Schools Facebook page.

“Today, a teacher saw what appeared to be a weapon in a child’s bookbag,” she wrote. “The incident was immediately reported to the main office, and the parent was notified. We are working with our school resource officer, the Franklin City Police Department, the Department of Social Services and the Franklin City Public School Central Office Administration to address this matter.

“The teacher intervened quickly, and no one was harmed,” she continued. “We are taking every possible measure to prevent this kind of incident from happening again.

“Weapons of any kind are prohibited on school property in accordance with Franklin City Public Schools under Student Policy (JFCD page 114 located on our division website),” she wrote. “We will always take appropriate action if any student is found possessing a weapon.

“I encourage you to share this policy with your child and to talk with them about the importance of responsible and respectful behavior,” she wrote. “Through cooperation and support, we can keep our school a safe, secure learning place.”

Fair concluded the letter by encouraging those with any questions to call the central office at 757-569-8111 extension 5901.