Toy bear filled with syringes found at Carson City elementary school
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident at Mark Twain Elementary School on Wednesday where a 7-year-old boy picked up a teddy bear with five hypodermic needles. The boy was stuck with one of the needles, which was then tested and found positive for methamphetamine.
The toy bear was found in a trash can at the school located off of Carriage Crest Drive in North Carson City. The boy picked it up while on the playground and was attempting to take it to a teacher when he was jabbed. Investigators and school staff did a sweep of the property. No other needles were found. The boy was taken to the emergency room for tests.
“It jeopardizes every student across the school district. You don’t have to be a parent of Mark Twain to be scared by this event,” said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
The incident happened at around noon, with several patrol vehicles assigned to the school as part of the investigation.
Assistant Sheriff Ken Sandage said the poke of the needle the boy experienced likely didn’t contain a toxic amount of methamphetamine to harm the child. The concern, however, is the needle can carry communicable diseases. The boy was taken by family to the hospital by family to be checked out and further tests are being done on the needle that poked the boy.
The school property is fenced in but the back side of Mark Twain is open property. The teddy bear was apparently placed in the trash container sometime between Friday and Wednesday morning. School staff had previously found empty alcohol bottles with possible night activity going on at the playground, said Furlong.
School officials at Mark Twain Elementary School took immediate actions to secure the playground areas. Staff at Mark Twain Elementary are on high alert for any illegal activity such as what was found Wednesday.
Superintendent Richard Stokes said he was shocked by what was found.
“I can’t think of too many things more irresponsible than putting students in harms way by leaving drug paraphernalia at a school,” said Stokes. “I am appalled that we have people who would camouflage needles in a toy and actually place it on the school grounds.”
The school was not closed, and will reopen Thursday for regularly scheduled classes, said Stokes. Staff will be vigilant and do a sweep of the area before classes, said Stokes.
Officials at the school described the playground areas are used for the school, and shared by joint agreement with the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department for activities. As a result, the area is routinely exposed to public activities and uses, said Furlong.
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