Huntsville Police conclude investigation into firearm discharge at Challenger Elementary

Published on February 12, 2025

The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) has concluded its investigation into an incident of a discharged firearm that occurred on Thursday, Feb. 6., at Challenger Elementary School, 13555 Chaney Thompson Road SE.

When officers arrived on Feb. 6, they located the student in the school and conducted a search of their backpack, discovering a loaded firearm.

Investigators determined that the firearm discharged while inside the backpack. The bullet exited the backpack and struck another student’s backpack. The bullet was ultimately stopped by the student’s laptop in their backpack. The school nurse evaluated the student, who showed no signs of harm.

An HPD investigator responded to the school to further assess the incident. The child was unable to explain how the firearm ended up in their possession. Further investigation has not determined how the firearm was placed in the backpack.

The Department of Human Resources was contacted to implement a safety plan and speak with the student’s family.

HPD has consulted with the victim’s family, the Neaves Davis Center, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office regarding the appropriate legal course of action. On the day of the incident, HPD filed two criminal case reports: one for unlawful possession of a pistol by a minor and another for reckless endangerment.

The District Attorney’s Office would not issue a warrant for the second-grade student for unlawful possession of a pistol by a minor. Additionally, the victim’s family has been referred to the Neaves Davis Center regarding the charge of reckless endangerment.