Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Police: Handgun Found In 7-Year-Old's Backpack In Queens
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 17, 2013
Modified Jan 18, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 17, 2013
Modified Jan 18, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A handgun was found in the backpack of a 7-year-old at a school in Far Rockaways this morning. According to police, the .22 calibre gun was found around 8 a.m. this morning at Wave Preparatory Elementary School. Sources tell NY1's Lindsey Christ that the "gun is mother's, older brother put in boy's bag, mother realized, called it in."
NBC says the boy's mother came back to the school a short time after dropping him off, claiming she needed to take him to a doctor appointment. They add that the gun was loaded, as well. The school has been placed on lockdown in the meantime while police continue their investigation. The Department of Education said in a statement: “A gun was found in the book bag of a second grade student. The gun was confiscated. NYPD, School Safety were on site. Parent of the student was notified.”
Tagged
cops
far rockaway
gun
handgun
nypd
police
queens
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Oct 20, 2026 at 10:01 p.m. ET
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
News
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
New renderings are out for Queens' Metropolitan Park casino
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .