Sarah Jane Kyle

sarahkyle@coloradoan.com

Fort Collins police are investigating after a loaded handgun was found on the lawn of a Fort Collins elementary school this week.

A citizen found the handgun on the lawn of Beattie Elementary School, 3000 Meadowlark Ave., just before 2 p.m. Sunday, according to an email Principal David Patterson sent to parents Monday. Police responded and confirmed the gun was real. It's unclear at this time why it was left on school property.

"The citizen did the right thing and called us immediately," said Kate Kimble, Fort Collins Police Services spokeswoman, in an email to the Coloradoan. "Anyone, adult or child, who finds an unattended weapon in public should stay away from it and contact police right away."

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Students returned to school Monday. Fort Collins police and school staff swept the grounds to "ensure Beattie is safe," Patterson said in his email to parents.

The discovery prompted a somber reminder from Patterson and Fort Collins police for parents to discuss school and weapon safety with their children in case a similar event occurs when children are on school grounds.

Kimble said school resource officers and school counselors are available to help parents navigate conversations about guns and safety.

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