THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, February 22, 1997           TAG: 9702220443
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   16 lines

LOADED PELLET GUN FOUND IN STUDENT'S BOOK BAG

A teacher at Cooke Elementary School discovered a loaded pellet gun in a 10-year-old student's book bag Friday morning, police said.

The student, a boy in fifth grade, has been suspended pending expulsion.

He also faces charges of possessing a firearm on school property, a felony punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and one to five years in prison.

The student's identity was not released because of his age.

KEYWORDS: SUSPENSION GUN VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOLS