Gun accidentally goes off in Dallas ISD cafeteria

Dallas ISD police are investigating how an elementary student brought a loaded gun that later went off in the cafeteria of Carpenter Elementary School in Oak Cliff.

The district said the gun "accidentally discharged" before school, as kids were eating breakfast Thursday morning. It happened after a small group of students were let in the building just after 7 a.m. 

It could have been much worse if it had happened during school hours.

No students were hurt, and the district said there was no lockdown because the incident happened before school started.

District police provided extra patrols at the end of the day, and the district said there will be an "enhanced screening process" for some of the students.

Grandparent Dennis Warren said he heard the gunshot moments after the gunshot.

REPORTER: ["What was your reaction when you heard a gun went off?"]

"I am about to take my kids back home," he responded.

REPORTER: ["What made you let them stay?"]

"I have a friend that works here and she told me everything was okay," Warren said. 

The district did not share the age or grade of the student, but said there will be a new screening process for 3rd through 5th grade students.

The district also didn’t say if the student stashed the gun in a backpack, or if he or she was carrying it in a pocket or under a waistband.

The district just started a new clear bookbag policy for middle and high schools, but not elementary school.

After this incident, some parents think that should change. 

READ MORE: 'I saw my uncle get shot': Dallas ISD students share the impact of gun violence on young people

"It’s ridiculous that the kids can get ahold of a gun to bring to a school. Something has to be done about this," Warren added.

When students were released from school Thursday afternoon, there was an increased district police presence. 

The district did not elaborate about what its "increased screening process" for the next few weeks would look like, but it may involve searching bags.

Elementary school students in the district are not required to carry clear backpacks, like the older students in the district.

Warren thinks that policy should be updated. 

"The way things are going, I think it should be with the elementary school too," he said.

Students are out of school Friday. 

The district said that while clear backpacks will remain voluntary for elementary students, on Monday, every Carpenter student will be sent home with a clear bag to use if they want.