Loaded Gun Discovered by Child at Richmond Daycare

A 2-year-old child at Thrive Learning Center East, LLC in Richmond, Virginia, placed a loaded firearm in their mouth after finding it unattended in a classroom, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS). The incident occurred on Friday, September 25, and has raised serious concerns around child safety and firearm storage at the facility.

Details of the Incident and Staff Response

State records reveal that an administrator brought a loaded gun to the daycare and left it inside an unzipped fanny pack on a low stack of cots, within reach of children. DSS reported the administrator made a habit of bringing the firearm to work and repeatedly left it in places accessible to children.

The 2-year-old retrieved the gun from the fanny pack and placed it barrel-side first into their mouth. The child then walked over to a table where five other children were seated, briefly put down the gun, and then picked it up again. The incident unfolded over roughly 15 seconds during which two staff members were looking at their phones, while a third had their back turned as they attended to another child. One staff member noticed the child holding the gun, immediately intervened, and handed the firearm back to the administrator.

Delayed Reporting and Legal Response

It took four days for the staff to notify DSS of the incident, despite state law requiring such reports within 24 hours. Richmond Police detectives visited the daycare on Wednesday, September 30, to assist with a Child Protective Services investigation. The employee identified as responsible for bringing the gun was named as Martha Evans, 66, of Richmond. She faces charges of possession of a firearm at a child daycare center and reckless storage of a firearm, and the police investigation remains ongoing.

History of Violations at Thrive Learning Center East

The loaded gun incident is among a series of recent violations at Thrive Learning Center East. During an October 1 inspection, DSS noted 11 violations at the facility, which holds only a provisional license. According to DSS, the daycare has not passed an inspection without at least one violation since March 10.

State records show 56 violations have been identified since March, with 25 repeat violations and 12 labeled “systemic deficiencies.” An earlier incident on August 3 involved a 3-year-old choking on whole grapes—a known choking hazard—which a staff member reportedly failed to notice until the child approached them, prompting the staff to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

Examples of Additional Safety Concerns and Staff Negligence

DSS inspection records highlighted other instances of staff negligence and safety lapses at the daycare, including:

• A kitchen gate left open while oil boiled unattended on the stove
• Sharp metal strips within children's reach
• Peeling tables with sharp and exposed metal edges
• Unsecured disinfectants and cleaning supplies left accessible to children
• Children as young as 13 months old left unattended while sleeping
• Children left unattended during outdoor play
• Negligence in child and staff hygiene practices
• Missing critical child information, such as guardian contacts and allergy details
• Lack of completed staff background checks

Child Protective Services and Ongoing Developments

Child Protective Services and Richmond Police continue their investigation into the gun incident and safety violations at Thrive Learning Center East. 8News is working to obtain further details from local law enforcement, and updates are expected as new information emerges.

Source: wric.com.