Toy gun gets this little guy suspended

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa.

- A 7-year-old boy western Pennsylvania boy who turned himself in after accidentally bringing a toy gun to school has been suspended for two days but will not be expelled.

The (Tarentum) Valley News Dispatch reported that the punishment for Darin Simak was handed down yesterday after a hearing before New Kensington-Arnold schools superintendent John Pallone.

The boy was sent home Wednesday and told he could be expelled after telling a teacher he had the toy at Martin Elementary School. The boy can return to class Monday.

The boy's mother, Jennifer Mathabell, says he forgot his regular book bag at a friend's house, so she packed another one not realizing the toy was in it.

Mathabell understands the policy, but also thought expulsion was too severe for an accident - especially since her son told the truth.

- Associated Press