Police ramped up patrols at Bethlehem Elementary School after a loaded pistol magazine was found on the driveway to the school loading dock Tuesday morning, according to state police.
Troopers from North Canaan responded to the school around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and found the magazine of a .45-caliber pistol, full of bullets.
They checked the school to make sure it was safe for students to be there and sent the magazine to the state forensic laboratory for examination, state police said.
District Supt. Dr. Frank Sippy sent an email to parents informing them of the incident.
"We will double the police presence at Bethlehem Elementary School," Sippy wrote in the email. "We will ensure all deliveries are closely monitored by law enforcement staff."
The school principal also sent home a letter reassuring parents that students were never in danger, but still, parents were rattled.
"As we saw not long ago in Sandy Hook, getting close to home is disturbing," said Annamarie Manosalva, of Bethlehem.
Police said troopers will continue to add patrols at the school as a precaution.
