(Update 10/16/23 6:15 p.m.) A seven-year-old student at Riley Avenue Elementary School was found in possession of a bullet this morning, according to Riverhead Police. Police said the student was never in the possession of a weapon.
Police said the student arrived with a .22 caliber projectile in his possession. After interviewing the student’s parents, police determined the bullet came from his home and that “all weapons were safely secured in the home and the child did not have access [to weapons] at any time,” according to a police press release.
Students and staff at the school were not in any danger at any time, police said.
Original story:
Riverhead school officials and police are investigating the origins of a bullet that was found on the floor of a school bus this morning, according to the acting superintendent.
The bullet was found on the floor and was immediately brought to the district staff by a bus driver, Acting Superintendent William Galati wrote in a letter to the community published this afternoon on the school district’s website. The school district and Riverhead Police Department are investigating the incident, the letter states. The letter did not provide any further details about the circumstances of the incident.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and community remains our highest priority,” Galati wrote. “As more information becomes available, we will update the community accordingly.”
Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller did not immediately return a call and text message requesting more information about the incident.
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