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CHINO, Calif. (AP) -- A child pulled the trigger of a police rifle at a Southern California elementary school Wednesday, firing a bullet that shattered and created shrapnel that injured three youngsters, authorities said.

The AR-15 was locked to the side of a motorcycle that was on display at Newman Elementary School during an anti-drug program when a student managed to fire it, Chino police spokeswoman Tamrin Olden said.

"The bullet disintegrated when discharged by striking a metal plate where the barrel rests against the weapons mount," and metal debris apparently struck some children and caused minor injuries, she said in a statement.

"It is likely that metal debris struck two children resulting in extremely minor injuries," Olden said, adding that the children were treated at a hospital and released.

A third student was examined at the school and released to parents, she said.

The children were treated for cuts and scrapes, said Fire Department spokeswoman Massiel Ladron De Guevara.

The weapons mount holding the rifle had several fail-safes, including the metal plate, Olden said.

There was no immediate word on whether a police officer was nearby when the accidental discharge occurred.

Rifles have been removed from other police motorcycles while the shooting is investigated, Olden said at a news conference.

The shooting occurred while police visited the school for Red Ribbon Week, an annual national event that features a series of activities designed to raise awareness about drug and alcohol abuse.

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Originally posted by Geezer:

Sure hope someone gets fired for leaving a loaded firearm on the police bike when it was brought to the school, but since it is the police, probably not.

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