A spokesperson for Montgomery County Schools says a staff member at Mt. Gilead Elementary saw the weapon, and immediately turned it over to the school office.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.C. -- A loaded handgun was found inside the book bag of a pre-kindergarten student at Mt. Gilead Elementary School on Thursday.

Montgomery County Schools says a teacher saw the weapon in the boy's book bag and immediately turned it in to the office. School officials then contacted the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

School officials say the gun had bullets in the clip, but not in the chamber. They say the gun was never taken out of the child's book bag, and there was no direct threat to the safety of any students.

Superintendent Dr. Dale Ellis says school officials don't know why the boy brought the gun to school or how he got it.

“Student safety is always our primary concern and something we take very seriously,” said Ellis.

“Our thanks go out to the staff member who confiscated the weapon and to our local law enforcement officers for their quick response.”