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Second-Grader Reportedly Brings Gun to Swansea School, 2 Adults Face Charges

Swansea police charged Christopher Spangler and Heather Spangler after a second-grade student reportedly brought a handgun to Hoyle Elementary School on April 1. Authorities initiated the investigation following an anonymous tip received on Monday.
Acting on the anonymous tip, Swansea police executed a search warrant at a Market Street home on Tuesday, discovering five unregistered, improperly stored firearms—four of which were loaded. Officers also seized various types of ammunition.
Both residents face charges including improper storage of a firearm near a minor and reckless endangerment of a child. They are summonsed to be arraigned on April 22 in Fall River District Court.
"This situation had the potential to end in a tragedy," said Police Chief Mark Foley. Swansea Superintendent Scott Holcomb announced the district will conduct a full review of response procedures after the reporting delay.
No weapons were found during a K-9 search of the school building Tuesday evening, though data indicates about 8% of American schools experienced shootings within 500 yards of property in 2025. The discovery underscores persistent safety concerns.

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Massachusetts school incident prompts questions on gun access for children: Letter to the Editor

I was happy to hear that activists are pushing for enhancements to animal cruelty laws in Alabama and elsewhere to protect more of our furry family members. Bravo. But I was saddened to hear that a very young child brought a gun to school in Massachusetts. Showing it to a classmate resulted in the classmate advising his teacher, and steps were taken so no one at that school was harmed. That’s great.

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2 charged after second grader reportedly brought gun to Massachusetts school

Two people are facing firearms charges after a second grade student reportedly brought a gun to a school in Massachusetts, police said.

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The Herald News, Fall River, MA

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2 face gun, child endangerment charges tied to incident at Swansea school

Two Swansea residents face firearms and child endangerment charges following a police search tied to a reported gun incident last week at Hoyle Elementary.

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CBS News

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Second-grader reportedly brings gun to Swansea school, 2 adults face charges

Two people are facing criminal charges after a report that a second-grade student may have brought a gun to a Swansea, Massachusetts elementary school.

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WCVB

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2 charged with firearms offenses after second grader reportedly brought gun to Mass. school

Two people are facing firearms charges after a second grade student reportedly brought a gun to a school in Swansea, Massachusetts, the town's police department said.

5 days ago·Boston, United States

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