Third grader's father arrested, charged in gun at elementary school case

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30-year-old Anthony O'Donnell was arrested Thursday morning in connection to a gun brought to school earlier in the week by his child. 

An 8-year-old boy allegedly brought a loaded 9mm firearm in his backpack to his San Ramon elementary school Tuesday, according to police.

O'Donnell 's bail is currently set at $140,000. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges; child endangerment, criminal storage of a firearm accessible to a child and possession of stolen property. The weapon was recovered at the student's residence. 

Twin Oaks Elementary, located at 2785 Marsh Drive, issued a letter Wednesday to parents and staff saying that according to police, the weapon was never brandished or used to threaten anyone. Police said that when they arrived at the child's home to investigate, the gun was loaded with ammunition.  

School officials say the child showed the gun to a classmate and the classmate reported it to a parent, who in turn notified the school's administration, who then told police. 

It is not clear how the child obtained the gun. There have been no charges filed, but the student faces disciplinary action. 

Parents we spoke to say this seems to be happening more often. Yesterday, a high school student in Pleasanton was arrested for brining a gun on campus. 

If you have information about this investigation please contact our dispatch center at 925-973-2779.

Read the school's letter to parents: 

Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff,

Thanks to proactive communication from students and parents, San Ramon Police are investigating a report of a Twin Creeks Elementary 3rd grade student bringing a gun to campus Tuesday in his backpack and showing it to a classmate. Fortunately, the classmate did the right thing and reported it to a parent, who in turn contacted school administration. The school contacted police who immediately began an investigation. The police investigation is ongoing, including details on how the student obtained the gun and whether or not it was loaded at school.

According to the police investigation, the gun was never brandished or used to threaten another student. If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact the San Ramon Police Department at 925-973-2779.

The student will face appropriate disciplinary action. Please know that the safety of our students, staff and families is our top priority.

Please take some time to remind your student that weapons, of any kind, are strictly prohibited on our campus. Please help us share the message that “if you see something, or know something, say something.”


Sincerely,


Elizabeth Graswich

Director of Communications & Community Relations