RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A loaded handgun was found by students on an elementary school playground in Readyville last month.
The weapon was discovered by third graders on the playground of Kittrell Elementary School on Thursday, April 18.
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Rutherford County Schools spokesperson James Evans said the children notified their teacher about the gun and a school resource officer secured the weapon
The handgun was loaded but there was not a bullet in the chamber, according to Evans.
Investigators reportedly tracked down the owner of the gun, who is a 19-year-old man. He said he had been on the playground the night before and must have dropped the gun.
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The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Robert Leahew, of Readyville. Leahew was charged with felony carrying a weapon on school grounds. He was released on a $1,000 bond.