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Charge Filed After 7-Year-Old’s Gun Discharges in Maryland Classroom

Investigators say the handgun came from the child’s home, prompting a seizure of other improperly stored firearms.

Overview

  • Police served a criminal summons to 34-year-old Eashan John Stefanski for leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a minor, a misdemeanor that can carry a fine of up to $1,000.
  • Charging documents describe multiple unsecured or poorly secured weapons in the home, including a handgun under a mattress, gun boxes with keys, a loaded magazine, and a firearm in a car, which officers seized for safekeeping.
  • The Glock 27 used in the incident is registered to Stefanski, and charging documents state nine students and a teacher were in the room when the round struck the child’s finger and ricocheted.
  • The 7-year-old suffered a non-life-threatening hand injury around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Freetown Elementary in Glen Burnie as a teacher quickly secured the weapon and provided first aid; no other students were hurt.
  • The school executed a hold and early dismissal, classes resumed Thursday, and crisis counselors were made available to students, staff and families.