A 6-year-old student is in custody after shooting a female teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News Friday afternoon, Police Chief Steve Drew confirmed.

The teacher, who’s identity hasn’t been revealed, is being treated at Riverside Regional Medical Center. During a joint press conference with the mayor Friday night, Newport News police said the teacher has life-threatening injuries but has shown improvement.

Sources close to Newport News Public Schools tell 10 On Your Side’s Michelle Wolf, the teacher was shot in the chest.

Chief Drew confirmed that a 6-year-old boy had a handgun in his possession but it hasn’t been revealed how he got a hold of the gun.

Police said during the press conference that the shooting was not accidental and that they are working to learn how the student got a firearm and why the shooting occurred.

No students were injured in the shooting.

The school system sent information to Richneck families in a phone call and email, and posted it to social media about an hour after the incident.

Parents have reunited with their children. School Superintendent Dr. George Parker, III said the elementary school will be closed on Monday, January 9.