A parent of a Trafalgar Elementary School student was arrested after law enforcement found a loaded firearm in the child’s backpack Thursday morning.According to the School District of Lee County, staff were alerted by the OPENGATE weapons detection system, which prompted a search of the student’s backpack.School district officials said the child was immediately isolated as authorities searched the backpack.The 5-year-old child told police that they did not know that the handgun was in their bag.According to the Cape Coral Police Department, the student’s father was arrested after he admitted to putting the 9 mm handgun in the child’s backpack to transport it to his car. He reportedly told the CCPD that he forgot to remove the weapon.The student’s father, James Edward Wilson IV, 50, is facing charges of child neglect and improper use of a firearm. This is a developing story and will be updated.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A parent of a Trafalgar Elementary School student was arrested after law enforcement found a loaded firearm in the child’s backpack Thursday morning.

According to the School District of Lee County, staff were alerted by the OPENGATE weapons detection system, which prompted a search of the student’s backpack.

School district officials said the child was immediately isolated as authorities searched the backpack.

The 5-year-old child told police that they did not know that the handgun was in their bag.

According to the Cape Coral Police Department, the student’s father was arrested after he admitted to putting the 9 mm handgun in the child’s backpack to transport it to his car. He reportedly told the CCPD that he forgot to remove the weapon.

The student’s father, James Edward Wilson IV, 50, is facing charges of child neglect and improper use of a firearm.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.