NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Police say a 6-year-old student who shot his teacher Friday at Richneck Elementary School used a 9 mm firearm that belonged to the child’s mother.
Officers said Abigail Zwerner was teaching when the student pointed the firearm at her and fired one round. Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said Zwerner took a “defensive position,” bringing a hand up to protect herself. The bullet entered her hand, went out the other side, then entered her upper chest.
Zwerner is in stable condition at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Drew said she asked about her students both times he went to see her.
Drew said after she was shot, Zwerner was able to get all her students out of the classroom. They are seen running out of the class on security footage, and she is the last one to run out of the room.
“I believe that Ms. Zwerner, Abigail, she saved lives on Friday,” Drew said.
Drew said the firearm used was legally purchased by the child’s mother in York County.
The child was evaluated at a mental health facility and is currently being treated.
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