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2-Year-Old Put Loaded Gun in Mouth at Virginia Daycare, State Records Say
Police say the administrator brought the gun into the center, and staff reported the incident four days later.
Administrator Martha Evans brought a loaded gun into Thrive Learning Center East in South Richmond on Sept. 25, where a 2-year-old gained access to the weapon.
Social Services records indicate the firearm was inside an unzipped fanny pack placed on a low stack of cots, described as "low stack of cots," allowing the child to reach it.
After putting the firearm in their mouth, the toddler moved it to a table where five other children were sitting when staff members finally intervened after approximately 15 seconds.
On Oct. 7, police arrested Martha Evans, charging her with reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a firearm at a school; staff failed to report the incident within the mandatory 24-hour window.
Evans is expected back in court Dec. 15, while Thrive Learning Center East remains under a provisional license as the Virginia Department of Education reviews the facility's status.