Charge filed after gun discharges inside Glen Burnie elementary classroom
Glen Burnie, MD – A classroom incident that sent a student to the hospital has now led to criminal charges after investigators determined the firearm involved was taken from the child’s home.
Anne Arundel County police said the incident occurred Wednesday at approximately 8:25 a.m. inside Freetown Elementary School, located at 7904 Freetown Road. Officers responded to reports of a gunshot fired inside a classroom and were told a student had brought a handgun to school.
Police said the handgun discharged inside the classroom, injuring the student who brought the weapon. The teacher secured the firearm, rendered aid to the student, and alerted school administrators, who contacted police. Other students were present at the time but were not injured. Once the weapon was secured, officials said there was no further threat to student safety.
The injured student was transported to an area hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the investigation, Northern District detectives determined the child obtained the loaded handgun from his residence. On Wednesday, detectives applied for charges through a court commissioner, who issued a criminal summons charging 34-year-old Eashan John Stefanski of Pasadena with leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a minor. Stefanski was served with the summons Thursday morning.
Police said Anne Arundel County Crisis Response services remain available to families of students at Freetown Elementary. The Crisis Response Warm Line is 410-768-5522, and the school is providing additional student support services.
The investigation into the incident remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northern District detectives at 410-222-6135. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.
Key Points
- A handgun discharged inside a classroom at Freetown Elementary School
- The student who brought the weapon was injured but is expected to recover
- An adult was charged with leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a minor
