Drop-off at a Pflugerville daycare took a jarring turn Friday when an unloaded handgun was found in a child's backpack, according to police. Officers said no one was hurt, and no charges have been filed while the center and law enforcement sort out what happened.
Police told KXAN the firearm was unloaded and that no injuries were reported. The department said the incident is still under review as daycare administrators and officers go over existing policies and procedures.
Legal implications
Under Texas law, it is an offense if a child gains access to a "readily dischargeable" firearm. Penal Code §46.13 spells out the offense and possible penalties. Prosecutors typically look at whether a gun was readily dischargeable when deciding on charges, with penalties increasing if the weapon is fired or causes serious injury.
What officials are reviewing
After any weapon turns up on a childcare or school campus, daycare operators and police often take a hard look at storage practices, staff training, and drop-off routines. A recent parking lot gun scare that sent Connally High into lockdown earlier this spring shows how Pflugerville schools have already been stress-testing emergency plans this year.
How common are these incidents?
Groups that track school safety say guns showing up on campuses and in student bags continue to worry educators and families. Everytown for Gun Safety and similar researchers have reported elevated rates of gun-related incidents at K-12 campuses in recent years.
Pflugerville police said the review remains ongoing and that no charges were filed following the initial response, according to KXAN. Officials did not immediately identify the daycare, and parents with concerns have been encouraged to reach out to local authorities for updates.
