Why a local 4th grader said he brought a loaded gun to school

BLANCHESTER, Ohio (WKRC) - A loaded gun was found in the locker of a fourth grade Blanchester Intermediate School student Wednesday.

In a call to parents, Superintendent Dean Lynch said school officials got a tip about the loaded gun. The principal quickly found it in the student's locker in the afternoon.

The officer who spoke to the 10-year-old boy said he told her he wanted to protect himself against classmates who had been picking on him. He added he didn't plan to shoot anyone.

The boy told the officer that he took the gun from his mother without her knowing.

Lynch told Local 12 that the investigation is still ongoing and the district won't share any disciplinary measures taken against the student.

The case has been forwarded to the Clinton County prosecutor.