Police say kindergarten girl had no idea gun was in backpack
LAKEWOOD – Police investigators believe a kindergarten student who showed up for class at Molholm Elementary School with a loaded handgun in her backpack had no idea the weapon was there and her father was to appear in court Wednesday on charges after admitting he stashed the weapon in the backpack.
James Chavez, 27, was booked into Jefferson County Jail Wednesday after telling investigators he stowed the small-caliber automatic weapon in the backpack, but forgot it was there. He was to appear in court Thursday afternoon, but the result of that appearance was not immediately available.
Chavez, who lives in the 1300 block of Garrison Street, could answer to charges of child abuse and possession of a weapon on school grounds, according to Davis.
Chavez told police he was the victim of a shooting several years ago and had the handgun because the man who shot him has never been caught.
But Lakewood Police Department spokesman Steve Davis said Thursday Chavez’s account of has not been verified.
“That’s what he’s telling us,” Davis said. “I have yet to see anything that would confirm that.”
The firearm was found when a teacher who was cleaning up found the handgun, and alerted school officials, who took custody of the weapon.
Davis confirmed the gun was loaded when it was found.
Investigators believe the child was unaware of what was in her backpack.
“I talked with our people who were on scene and they told me that they truly believe she was clueless, that she had absolutely no idea that it was in there,” Davis said.
Molholm Elementary School is at 6000 West 9th Avenue.
