Ashland students and staff safe after student finds gun on elementary school playground

ASHLAND, Ky. (WCHS/WVAH) — Children were rushed off a school playground after police said a gun was found buried where the kids were playing.

"Thank God that child had enough knowledge to know that was bad and what they found was bad," parent Kristin Wilburn said.

Parents of Poage Elementary School in Ashland are breathing a sigh of relief, following scary moments after a kindergartner found a gun buried in the mulch during recess.

"Had the wrong child found it and thought it was a toy, it could have ended badly," Wilburn said.

Principal Katie Holbrook said the child immediately told a teacher and staff rushed kids off the playground.

"Words can't describe," Holbrook said. "These are my kids. I love each and every one of them dearly, and their safety is my number one priority at all times."

Fortunately, that student's quick thinking ensured no other students got a hold of the gun.

"As for my children, they've been to the gun range and have been taught what to do and what not to do and know it's hands off unless a parent is around," parent Cameron Ball said.

Holbrook said the school called police and detectives combed the area with metal detectors.

On Sunday, police were called to a shooting in the same area. Eddie Smith, 38, was shot and wounded.

No arrests have been made, so now investigators are trying to see if the gun found at the playground is the same one used to shoot Smith.

"Burying it in a playground where kids play, it's pretty low," Wilburn said.

A close call, but parents said it's a lesson learned and that all children should know what to do if they find a gun.

"It could have ended very badly," Ball said. "I feel that every parent should teach their child gun safety. You can go to Dollar Tree and pick up a dollar gun and show a child how you should properly handle a gun."

Police are still investigating, anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Lee at 606-385-3273 or email at silentwitness@ashlandky.gov.