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Handgun found on Sappington Elementary grounds following crash

Police are working to determine if the firearm was discarded by the suspect or thrown from the vehicle in the accident. A school official found the firearm Wednesday morning.

<p>File photo</p>

Police are investigating after a handgun was found on Sappington Elementary school grounds Wednesday morning following an accident.

St. Louis County Police from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to an accident around 2:05 a.m. where a vehicle crashed through a chain link fence of Grant’s Farm.

An 18-year-old man fled the scene and was later arrested at his home for leaving the scene of an accident and possession of a controlled substance.

Police are working to determine if the firearm was discarded by the suspect or thrown from the vehicle in the accident. A school official found the firearm Wednesday morning.

The principal at Sappington Elementary School sent out a letter to parents following the incident.

Dear Sappington Parents and Guardians,

I am writing today to notify you of police activity that took place this morning on and near the back corner of our Sappington Elementary School property. The activity is related to an incident that occurred across the street late last night at Grant’s Farm, and no students or staff were ever in any danger.

Last night, St. Louis County Police responded to a call at Grant’s Farm after a vehicle drove through the fence at the intersection of Pardee and Eddie and Park. Police found an empty gun holster in the car, which had been abandoned by the driver. A suspect has been arrested and taken into custody.

Early this morning, a Grant’s Farm employee called me to make me aware of the situation, and I walked our upper back field, where I found a gun had been thrown over the fence near the site of the crash. Thankfully, no students were on the field this morning, and we canceled any outdoor activity until police completed their investigation. We immediately called police after discovering the gun and they responded right away.

I would like to thank the individuals at Grant’s Farm who called me first thing this morning and made me aware of this situation, and also thank our Lindbergh School Resource Officers for responding immediately and working with police. Their action helped to protect Sappington students and staff, and we appreciate it very much.

We will keep you informed of any updates to this situation, and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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