SOUTH BEND — Investigators continue to hold four students at the Juvenile Justice Center, one day after a loaded gun made its way inside Greene Intermediate Center in South Bend.

They're being held on preliminary charges of gun possession and criminal recklessness. They're scheduled to appear before a judge Friday.

"Handguns are personal protection specifically. They're meant to generally shoot other people," said South Bend Police Department Spokesperson Phil Trent.

Making them extremely dangerous when they get into the wrong hands, especially children.

“We know what's going to happen if a gun is picked up and used by anyone inside a residence or inside a school. It's going to be disastrous pretty much," said Trent.

And after a loaded 9mm handgun was found inside Green Intermediate Center, parents continue to worry.

"Especially with everything that's happened you know with Columbine and the mall shootings and things like that. Naturally a parent should be concerned," said parent Kim Keen.

"This was an extremely dangerous situation without a doubt,” said St. Joseph County Police Department Sgt. William Redman.

School administrators say the incident serves as a very important reminder for parents.

"We need to press with all of our kids and all of our parents that it is absolutely critical that they take this time to talk with kids that if a gun becomes presents what to do," said South Bend Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Zimmerman.

Meanwhile gun experts say gun owners should take responsibility, learning how to keep their weapon safe and secure.

"Anyone that has access to that fireman needs to understand the consequences of handling that firearm. We can stop a lot of this if we use reasonable responsible thoughts in our handling of our firearms safely. That is very important," said Midwest Gun Exchange Owner Brad Foster.

Police urge gun owners to use gun locks when they're not being used. You can pick them up for free at the South Bend Police Department.