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Jacksonville elementary school student carried gun in backpack for days, district says

Duval County Public Schools is urging gun owners to keep weapons away from children after a 12-year-old reportedly carried a gun in his backpack.

The 12-year-old student from Timucuan Elementary reportedly found the gun at his home and carried it around for two days, the district said citing a Feb. 14 police report.

The child thought there was a strange man watching him walk to and from school, the district said.

The school was notified Tuesday and alerted parents. District officials are now urging gun owners to keep their weapons away from children.

"The parent who contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office should be commended, but we need gun owners to do everything possible to keep firearms away from children," Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene said in a statement.

The district said it is unclear if the student brought the gun all the way to school or hid it before coming onto campus.

The Duval County Public School Police Department is now investigating.