On Monday at 1:00 p.m., Ithaca police responded to the report of handgun that was found in a ditch on the side of the road in the 500 block of Spencer Road. It was learned that a 12-year-old boy was outside playing and saw the handgun. The boy did not touch the gun, but immediately got his mother, who called 911 and stood by until police arrived.
Officers confirmed the gun was a loaded 9MM Semi-Automatic Handgun, which had the serial numbers scratched off and is presumed to be stolen. Patrol officers secured the handgun as evidence and are working with the Investigations Division to see if the gun has any connections to the recent shootings that have been reported in the City of Ithaca.
The actions taken by this 12-year-old were an example of a textbook way to handle finding a dangerous item, such as a weapon. His actions likely prevented further
injury to someone by getting this weapon off the street.
Ithaca police would like to recognize the outstanding job of this 12-year-old and his mother. Ithaca police would like to use this situation as a reminder for those with children to talk with them and have a plan about how to handle similar situations.
