Boy with autism holding toy gun prompts school scare in Cocoa, officials say

Suspicious incident reported near Cocoa High, Saturn Elementary schools

COCOA, Fla. – Reports of a gunman west of Cocoa turned out to be a child with a toy Thursday morning. 

Brevard County Sheriff's Office spokesman Tod Goodyear said Saturn Elementary was on temporary shelter status just after 8 a.m. but was quickly cleared, according to News 6 partner Florida Today.

Goodyear said the subject in the incident was a nonverbal boy with autism holding a red plastic gun walking along Range Road. 

Deputies were quickly able to clear the perceived threat and returned the boy to his father.

"All students were safe and secure in the building at all times," a representative said.

School activities will continue as normal for the rest of the day. 

Cocoa High was not affected.

No further details were immediately available from police.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.


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