Employee leaves gun unattended at Miami-Dade school for adults with autism, cops say

A staff member who went on a field trip with students was detained Tuesday afternoon after leaving a firearm unattended at a Miami-Dade private school where young adults in the autism spectrum are taught independent living skills, according to police.

A 911 call around noon alerted Miami-Dade police to a gun found in a bag at Atlantis Academy – Miami LIFE Program, 10855 SW 72nd St., Suite 49, Miami-Dade Det. Alvaro Zabaleta told the Miami Herald. Further investigation revealed that an employee who had gone on a field trip was likely the one who left the firearm behind.

“They found it inside a bag that appears to belong to an employee,” Zabaleta said.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations also interviewed the employee, he added.

The LIFE program teaches young adults in the autism spectrum over the age of 18 “the necessary skills they need to live a more independent life both in the home and in the workplace,” the school’s website says.

This developing story will be updated when new information is available.