Swansea Police locate 5 non-registered unsecured firearms after investigating report of 2nd grader possibly showing other students handgun

SWANSEA — According to a release, the Swansea Police Department is investigating a report that a second-grade student may have brought a handgun to Mark G. Hoyle Elementary School on a previous school day and showed it to at least two other students.

Police first became aware of the report Monday night and immediately began reviewing the information.

Out of an abundance of caution, Swansea Police and Swansea Public Schools took additional safety precautions at the school Tuesday morning while officers continued investigating the report in coordination with the school district.

As a result of the investigation throughout the day Tuesday, officers developed probable cause to apply for a search warrant for a residence in Swansea. The warrant was issued by the court and executed Tuesday afternoon.

During the search, officers located five firearms, along with ammunition, inside the home. The firearms were not registered and were stored unsecured.

Police also determined that no one residing in the home possesses a valid Firearms Identification Card.

The firearms were seized as part of the investigation, and Swansea Police plan to file an application for criminal complaint in Fall River District Court on Wednesday charging two residents with weapons-related offenses.

Due to the discovery of firearms in the home, and of an abundance of caution due to the original report, Swansea Police brought a K-9 unit specially trained in firearms and ammunition detection to the school Tuesday evening to conduct a search of the building. No weapons or ammunition were found.

Police do not believe there is any active threat to the school community, but they will maintain an increased presence at the school on Wednesday.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Swansea Police are continuing to work with school officials.