7-Year-Old Brings Bullet To Long Island Elementary School: Police

RIVERHEAD, NY — A bullet found on the floor of a Riverhead school bus Monday morning was brought by an elementary school student, 7, police said.

Riverhead Town police said the child arrived at the Riley Avenue Elementary school with a 22-caliber projectile in his possession.

Riverhead police conducted an investigation into the incident, which revealed that the child brought the projectile from his home, authorities said.

Upon interviewing the parents, authorities were told that all weapons were safely secured in the home and the child did not have access at any time, police said. Students and staff were not in any danger at any time, police said.

According to Dr. William Galati, acting superintendent of the schools, the district and the police department are "working diligently together on an investigation after a bullet was found on the floor of a bus this morning and immediately brought to district staff by a Riverhead bus driver."

He added: "The investigation is ongoing, and the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and community remains our highest priority. As more information becomes available, we will update the community accordingly."

It's not the first time items of concern were found: In March, a "hold-in-place" response took place at Riverhead High school after bullets were found in the hallway. Terrified students, not sure if there was an active shooter in the building, called their parents to say, "I love you."

In June, two Riverhead students were arrested after "illegal items"were found at the middle school, police said. Riverhead police responded and officials turned over two knives and a BB gun, authorities said.

Also in June, a 13-year-old middle school student was found with a knife, police said.

Earlier this month, the Riverhead Central School District's Board of Education passed a resolution to grant a sudden leave of absence to Superintendent Dr. Augustine Tornatore.

No reason was given for the resolution. In recent days, the district has made headlines due to "reprehensible"swastikas found on desks and "racial slurs" at a school football game that led to a call for action and change.

Dr. Galati will serve in that capacity through Monday, October 23.