The mother of a 5-year-old was arrested after a staff member at a Florida school discovered a gun in the pre‑K student’s backpack on Monday morning, prompting a swift response from school resource deputies, officials said.
Officials said a staff member at Madison County Central School found the firearm around 11:20 a.m. while helping the child look for a paper in their backpack. Deputies were notified immediately and arrived within one minute, taking possession of the firearm.
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According to the Madison County School District, no students or staff were ever in danger. The firearm was never displayed or handled by the student, and staff followed established safety protocols. Classes and normal operations continued without interruption.
Deputies said the firearm was later identified as a Lorcin Model L25 .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. The gun was not loaded, and no ammunition was present.
“The mother of the child was contacted and interviewed by MCSO investigators resulting in her arrest. This investigation remains active to determine if anyone else from the child’s household is involved,” the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Deputies said Zane Shernell Turner, 25, faces charges of violation of safe storage of a firearm and child neglect.
The district urged parents and guardians to ensure firearms and other dangerous items at home are securely stored and inaccessible to children, noting that even young students can unknowingly bring hazardous items to school if they can reach them.
“I am proud of the quick and appropriate response by our deputies and school personnel to ensure the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” said Madison County Sheriff David Harper.