CHAMPION, Ohio (WKBN) – Officers are investigating after a gun was found by elementary students during school hours at a local school on Tuesday.

Champion Police Chief Larry Skaggs says there was no imminent threat to students or staff after a gun was found on the east end of the Champion Local Schools campus Tuesday.

According to a press release, Champion Local Schools students were outside with their teacher on school grounds when they found a gun in the grass by the baseball field.

The teacher informed the principal who then informed the school resource officer (SRO). The gun was removed from the area.

The SRO is investigating the ownership of the gun. Anyone with information should contact the SRO.

According to Champion police, “The pistol was extremely rusted and appeared to have been dropped in the grass an extended time ago. The weapon was deteriorated and did not appear to be functional due to its condition.”

Superintendent John Grabowski said that “out of an abundance of caution” an additional resource officer will be on school property for the remainder of the school year. However, police do not believe there is an immediate threat to students’ safety.