Pownal, Vt. woman cited after child brought firearm to school

A Pownal woman has been cited for improper firearm storage after an alarming incident at Pownal Elementary School. On March 19, 2025, a student brought an unloaded handgun along with numerous rounds of ammunition to the school, subsequently revealing this information on social media.

Lieutenant Harrington of the Bennington County Sheriff's Department issued a criminal citation to Crystal Mahar for Negligent Firearm Storage on March 21, 2025. The situation was promptly addressed when other students alerted teachers, highlighting the importance of vigilance in school environments.

The State's Attorney's Office is currently handling all official case documentation, while details regarding the juvenile involved remain confidential and protected from public disclosure.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr. emphasized the significance of responsible firearm storage, stating that incidents like this underscore the necessity of keeping firearms securely stored away from children.

Authorities are urging gun owners to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their communities and schools, reinforcing that proper storage practices are essential in preventing such occurrences.