10-16-2023 10:15pm

Police Report: 7-Year-Old Discovered with Bullet at Long Island Elementary School

Samantha Hespos Editor

In Riverhead, New York, a bullet was discovered on the floor of a school bus on Monday morning, and authorities have confirmed that it was brought by a 7-year-old elementary school student.

According to Riverhead Town police, the child arrived at Riley Avenue Elementary School with a 22-caliber projectile in their possession.

Riverhead police conducted an investigation into the incident, revealing that the child had brought the projectile from his home, as authorities reported.

Upon interviewing the parents, authorities were told that all weapons were safely secured in the home and the child did not have access at any time, police said. Students and staff were not in any danger at any time, police said.

According to Dr. William Galati, the acting superintendent of the schools, the district and the police department are collaborating closely on an investigation following the discovery of a bullet on a school bus floor this morning. The incident was promptly reported by a Riverhead bus driver to district staff.

Dr. William Galati emphasized, "The investigation is ongoing, and the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and community remains our highest priority. As more information becomes available, we will update the community accordingly."

It's concerning to note that this isn't the first instance of items of concern being found in Riverhead schools. In March, there was a "hold-in-place" response at Riverhead High School when bullets were discovered in a hallway. This understandably caused fear among students, some of whom called their parents to express their love, unsure if there was an active shooter in the building.

In June, two Riverhead students were arrested after "illegal items" were discovered at the middle school. The Riverhead police responded, and officials confiscated two knives and a BB gun, according to authorities.

In another incident from June, a 13-year-old middle school student was found with a knife, as reported by the police.

Earlier this month, the Riverhead Central School District's Board of Education passed a resolution to grant a sudden leave of absence to Superintendent Dr. Augustine Tornatore.

No reason was provided for the resolution to grant Superintendent Dr. Augustine Tornatore a leave of absence. In recent days, the district has been in the headlines due to "reprehensible" swastikas found on desks and "racial slurs" at a school football game, prompting a call for action and change within the community.

Dr. Galati will continue in that role until Monday, October 23.