by Glen Burnie, Maryland – A disturbing safety incident unfolded at an elementary school in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after a 7-year-old student accidentally discharged a handgun inside a classroom, injuring himself and triggering a police investigation into firearm storage practices inside the child’s home.
According to Anne Arundel County Police, the incident occurred Wednesday morning at Freetown Elementary School, where the second-grade student brought a loaded firearm from home and discharged it while inside class.
The child suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his hand and was transported to a hospital for treatment. No other students or staff were physically injured.
Police Say Gun Belonged to Mother’s Boyfriend
Investigators later confirmed that the firearm involved — a Glock 27 handgun — was legally registered to the child’s mother’s boyfriend, 34-year-old Eashan John Stefanski.
Police served Stefanski with a criminal summons, charging him with leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a minor, a misdemeanor offense under Maryland law. While the charge does not carry jail time, it can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
Authorities stated that Stefanski resides in the home with the child and is considered an occupant of the residence where the firearm was accessed.
What Happened Inside the Classroom
Police said the child was showing the gun to classmates when it accidentally discharged. The bullet struck the student’s finger before ricocheting off the classroom floor and hitting a cabinet.
At the time of the discharge, nine students and one teacher were inside the classroom.
A teacher quickly secured the firearm and provided immediate assistance to the injured child until first responders arrived. School officials said the situation was contained swiftly and there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.
Firearms Found Improperly Stored at Home
Following the incident, police were granted permission to search the home where the child lives with his mother and her boyfriend.
According to charging documents, Stefanski told officers he owned multiple firearms, including:
- One handgun kept under a mattress
- One firearm stored in a vehicle
- Several rifles kept inside a locked safe
During the search, officers found:
- An unloaded handgun under a mattress
- Two unloaded firearms in locked cases
- A gun box missing the Glock 27, but containing loaded magazines and keys
Investigators determined that at least one firearm was not properly secured from children, prompting police to seize the weapons.
School and Police Emphasize Gun Safety
Anne Arundel County Police used the incident to reinforce the importance of safe firearm storage, especially in homes with children.
Police stressed that firearms should always be locked, unloaded when stored, and kept inaccessible to minors. Officials also reminded residents that free gun locks are available through county health programs.
“This situation highlights why firearms must be secured at all times,” police said. “Children should never have access to loaded weapons.”
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The investigation into the incident remains active. Police said no additional charges have been announced at this time, and child welfare officials are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding how the firearm was accessed.
School officials confirmed that counseling and support services were made available to students and staff following the incident.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
Parents in the Glen Burnie area expressed concern following the classroom discharge, calling for stronger education around gun safety and stricter accountability when firearms are kept in homes with children.
While no one else was injured, authorities acknowledged the situation could have had far more serious consequences.
What are your thoughts on firearm safety in homes with children? Join the discussion and share your perspective in the comments below.
