Portsmouth Parent Drops Gun Clip At School: Police

PORTSMOUTH, NH -- A Portsmouth parent accidentally dropped a loaded gun magazine while picking up a student at a city elementary school, police said Thursday. The parent escaped any criminal charges. A student found the clip in the grass at the Little Harbour School and told a teacher, who contacted police.

A school security camera caught parent dropping the magazine on school grounds while picking up a student Wednesday afternoon, according to Portsmouth Police Capt. Mark Newport.

"There was never a threat to the safety of any children or staff at the school," Newport said in a statement.

Officers interviewed the parent and decided not to file charges.

"There is no New Hampshire State Law which prevents a person from bringing a firearm on school grounds," Newport said in a statement. "The Portsmouth School District has a policy in place which does not allow firearms on school grounds while school is in session. The police department and school department are reviewing school protocols for incidents of this nature and making sure the most current policies and procedures are in place."

Photo credit: Shutterstock