FORT MOHAVE, Ariz. — Authorities in western Arizona have arrested an eight-year-old boy after a loaded handgun was discovered on the campus of Fort Mohave Elementary School on Monday. The alarming incident prompted an immediate lockdown response and raised new concerns about school safety in the Mohave Valley community.
Gun Discovered on Campus
According to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the school contacted deputies just before noon on Monday after staff were alerted to the presence of a firearm on school grounds. Before deputies arrived, school officials acted quickly—removing the student from the classroom and securing the weapon to prevent any further danger.
Investigators later confirmed that the eight-year-old was in possession of a loaded handgun and had reportedly shown the weapon to other students, even passing it to another child. A third student who overheard what happened immediately reported the situation to the school’s principal, triggering swift intervention by staff.
Threat Made Against a Teacher
During questioning with deputies, the boy, his parents, and the second student involved, it was revealed that a verbal threat was made against a teacher while the first student still had the gun in his possession.
The child was subsequently arrested and taken to the Mohave County Juvenile Detention Center, where he faces several charges, including:
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Disorderly conduct
- Interfering with an educational institution
- Threatening and intimidating
Authorities are still investigating how the child obtained the firearm and who it belongs to. Possible charges against the second student who briefly handled the gun are pending further review.
School District Responds to Serious Incident
Cole Young, superintendent of the Mohave Valley School District, released a statement emphasizing the district’s commitment to safety and acknowledging the quick actions of both staff and students.
“This incident reinforces that an event like this can happen anywhere, even in remote areas of Mohave County,” Young said. “Because a student immediately reported what they saw, our team was able to secure the situation right away. We appreciate the response of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and will continue working closely with them to ensure our campuses remain safe places to learn.”
Increased Security and Student Support
In a message sent to Fort Mohave Elementary families, district officials announced that there will be an increased Sheriff’s Office presence on campus in the coming days to reassure students and staff. Additionally, school counselors and district social workers will be available to speak with any student who feels anxious or concerned following the event.
Parents were encouraged to discuss the incident openly with their children and remind them of the importance of reporting anything unusual or unsafe to trusted adults.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, investigators are still working to determine the origin of the handgun and whether adults in the child’s home could face legal consequences.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance, communication, and firearm safety—even in small, close-knit communities.
Stay informed with HonkNews.com for further updates on the Fort Mohave Elementary investigation and continued coverage on school safety across Arizona.