Police Called to Johnston Elementary School After Gun Was Found on Student

Local police were called to a Johnston elementary school Tuesday morning after a second-grader was found in possession of a handgun, the Des Moines Register reports.

The incident occurred at Lawson Elementary School shortly before noon, the article said. Police Chief Bill Vaughn told the newspaper the weapon was removed from the 8-year-old student prior to the arrival of police officers.

The gun was not loaded and no students were harmed, district spokeswoman Laura Dillavou also told the Register.

School officials said the incident was reported to a teacher by fellow students, the article said.

Police and administrators were called to Lawson Elementary at 5450 N.W. 62nd Ave. about 11:50 a.m.

No students or staff were harmed, officials said.

"This is an unfortunate incident," said Superintendent Clay Guthmiller in a KCCI.com story. "Our staff responded to the situation immediately and we are thankful that no students were harmed. It is our goal to provide a safe and secure environment for learning. We continue to work with the Johnston Police Department on this issue."