Police in Ithaca are investigating after a handgun was found on Monday around 1 p.m.
IPD responded to the report of a handgun that was found in the side of the ditch on Spencer Rd.
Investigators say a 12-year-old was playing outside when he saw the gun in the ditch. He did not touch the weapon- and instead went to get his parent who called 911.
Officers confirmed that the weapon was a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The handgun had the serial numbers scratched off- and it’s presumed to be stolen at this point.
Officers secured the handgun and evidence and are working with investigations to see if the weapon has any connection to recent shootings in the city.
“The actions taken by this 12-year-old were an example of a textbook way to handle finding a dangerous item,” police said in a press release. “His actions likely prevented further injury to someone by getting this weapon off the street. The Ithaca Police Department would like to recognize the outstanding job of this 12-year-old and his mother.”
Police say it’s important to talk to children about this kind of situation and how to appropriately handle it.
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