2 Students Arrested After Gun Found In Parking Lot At Seneca Valley Intermediate HS
HARMONY, Pa. (KDKA) -- Two students are in police custody after a gun was found in a car parked in a Seneca Valley school's secondary campus parking lot Tuesday morning.
Seneca Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Tracy Vitale sent out a recorded message to all parents and guardians about the incident.
According to Dr. Vitale, several students reported seeing a gun in a student's possession at the Intermediate High School just after the school day got underway.
The school resource officer and Jackson Township Police responded and began an investigation with district administrators.
Dr. Vitale says the weapon was found in a student's car and may have been sold by another student.
The message tells parents: "Police found the gun in the glove compartment of the student's vehicle parked outside. Police believe it was sold to the student by another student."
Both students were taken into police custody and removed from school grounds.
Dr. Vitale says all students within the district are safe.
The district said to expect an increase in police presence in the schools Wednesday, as well as mobile metal detectors in the high schools.
KDKA's Lisa Washington Reports:
One parent said he received the message from the district and an unsettling message from his 15-year-old daughter.
"She was hiding in the bathroom, it's chaotic," Lon Lawver parent said. "Then I get this message and it seems they have everything under control. I'm just concerned that my kid is hiding in the bathroom, how is that a controlled lockdown?"
Janice Dehart, a former 21-year employee with the district, said this is the first time she can recall someone brining a gun to school.
She said this should be a warning for parents.
"Starting looking into their child's lifestyle, what they are doing, who are their friends? That is what I'd do," Dehart said.
Dr. Vitale will release more information as it becomes available. Until then, the investigation continues.