FL Mother Arrested After Gun Found in Child’s Backpack At School

A Florida mother has been arrested after deputies say she placed a gun in her young child’s backpack during the first week of classes at an elementary school.

Clay County Child Discovers Gun at Start of School Day

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the child opened their bookbag at the beginning of the school day and found the firearm. The student immediately alerted their teacher, who reported it to school administrators and law enforcement. Deputies quickly confiscated the weapon and launched an investigation.

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School Placed on Secure Status During Investigation

Authorities placed the school on a “secure status” while the matter was investigated. This meant classes continued as normal inside the building, but no one was allowed to enter or exit the campus until deputies completed their response. Officials confirmed that no students or staff were harmed during the incident.

Mother Accused of Sending Gun to Child’s Father

Investigators later learned that the child’s parents do not live together. Deputies said the child’s mother, Sierra Bonner, placed the gun in the backpack and instructed the student to give it to their father. The father reportedly drove the child to school that morning but was unaware the weapon was inside.

Bonner was arrested and charged with child neglect and unlawfully providing a firearm to a minor. The Florida Department of Children and Families is also involved in the case.

Sheriff Urges Parents to Check Backpacks

Sheriff Michelle Cook stressed the importance of parental awareness following the incident. “It’s crucial that parents know what their children are bringing to school before they leave home. Look in their backpacks, ask questions, and have conversations on what’s appropriate to bring to school,” Cook said. “In this specific case, this was a poor decision and could’ve ended in tragedy.”

School resource deputies and detectives were praised for their quick response, which officials said helped ensure the safety of students and staff.