The Cheltenham (Pa.) School District is implementing new security measures this week after a student allegedly brought a loaded gun to a high school football in Abington Township.
According to the local NBC affiliate, the incident occurred Friday, Aug. 25, shortly before 8:30 p.m. during a football game between Abington and Cheltenham High Schools at the Abington High School stadium.
A parent reported to police that they had seen a teen with a weapon inside the stadium. Responding officers spotted the 17-year-old boy wearing a surgical mask and sitting int he back corner of the stadium with another teen.
The boy was found to have a loaded handgun with an extended magazine protruding from his waist. Police also said the teen was in possession of a second loaded magazine.
“I walked up to him, just casually. Just said, ‘Hey, can I talk to you?’ Put my hand on his shoulder,” Abington Police Officer Jordan Jones said. “As soon as I put my hand on his shoulder, he ducked down and reached for his waistband. At which point, me and Officer Marrero grabbed the gentleman that we recovered the weapon from and took him to the ground.”
The teen was taken into custody and escorted out of the stadium without further incident. No injuries were reported but the game was suspended at halftime out of an abundance of caution. Police are still trying to determine a motive for the student bringing the gun to the stadium.
At a press conference, police referred to the gun as a "ghost gun," or a privately made gun that doesn't have a serial number.
“This has more rounds than police officers carry on duty. It’s a 30 round, high capacity magazine,” Abington Police Detective Steve Fink said. “It’s with another high capacity magazine. Thirty one rounds with one in the chamber. And, you’ll see here this is a red light laser that was also on the gun.”
- All students must show a valid student ID to enter the game.
- More security staff will be present.
- Police officers will patrol the stadium and parking lot, which will also have more lighting.
- People won't have access to large open areas where students often congregate.
- No one will be allowed to bring in a backpack or bags to the stadium.
- No one will be allowed to wear a mask that completely covers their face.
