Sheriff Thomas Breedlove told WRAL that the boy took the weapon from his grandfather's gun safe.
"It was locked and the grandfather thought the key to the safe was secure, but the child found the key went in and he took the weapon," Breedlove said.
Principal Mike Putney said he makes it an everyday practice to stand in the school's parking lot and greet students coming to school. He received a tip a few minutes ahead of time that a student was bringing a gun to school. The gun was found in his book bag.
The unnamed student may receive a double dose of punishment for possessing a weapon on school property.
"Normally it is a 375-day suspension. You don't normally see young kids bringing weapons to school," said Vance County School Superintendent Norm Shearin.
Weapons possession on school property is also a felony, even for a 10-year-old. He is now in the custody of juvenile authorities.
"He came back to our attention this morning for a Juvenile Court hearing for his suspension placement," said state Juvenile Services counselor Cynthia Yancey.
It will be up to a judge to determine his punishment. Sheriff Breedlove said that since the gun owner had the gun under lock and key, he will not face charges.
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