Student Brought BB Gun To Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School: Police

YONKERS, NY — Reports that a student brought a BB gun to school triggered a police response and is expected to result in criminal charges.

"Members of the Yonkers Police Department are presently investigating an incident at the Cesar E. Chavez school located on Cedar Place where a student brought a BB gun to the school," Yonkers police said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "Officers recovered the BB gun and the involved students are currently at the Community Affairs Division; we anticipate charging one or more students as juvenile delinquents in relation to this incident. The situation is under control and there are no additional safety threats to the students or the school."

There was already an increased police presence at the school and other campuses in the district in response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, officials said.

"The City of Yonkers places the absolute highest priority on student safety; in light of recent events locally and nationally, parents may expect to see additional resources in and around our schools," Yonkers PD said.

The Cesar E. Chavez School used to be named Cedar Place Elementary School. It has students in Pre-K through Grade 8.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said that even though the incident involved a BB gun, the situation was cause for concern.

"The City of Yonkers takes every threat and incident seriously," Spano said. "In light of recent events, we are re-reviewing protocols with Yonkers Police Department and Yonkers Public Schools to ensure the highest level of safety for our children."

The Yonkers Police Department gave the following statement later in the day:

"UPDATE: Two students, age 12 and 13, are being charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a person under sixteen, and will be adjudicated as juvenile delinquents in the Family Court. The weapon was in fact a BB gun (contrary to some reports). The #YonkersPD will always commit every resource to ensure the safety of our kids. Parents also have to be involved and vigilant of their children's activities - do not hesitate to inspect their phones, social media, and personal belongings for anything out of the ordinary. The Yonkers Police has Youth Support resources to help you: https://www.yonkersny.gov/.../community.../youth-support."