ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A 17-year-old male student at Dieruff High School was arrested Tuesday after police said he was on school property with a gun.
A news release from the Allentown Police Department said the teen was found outside the school but had possessed the firearm on school property.
He was charged with possession of a gun with an altered serial number, minor possession of a firearm, and carrying a firearm without a license, the news release said.
Police said the case would be adjudicated in Lehigh County Juvenile Court.
"We want to commend the school resource officer, school safety officers, school district’s administration, faculty and students for their quick response," the statement said. "And [their] adherence to our safety procedures and protocols. It is a testament to the training our staff has received that this incident was handled promptly and appropriately."
The school was placed on a short lockdown Tuesday morning after police said officers received a report around 10:30 a.m. of a student in the school, possibly with a weapon.
A spokeswoman for the district said the lockdown lasted from about 10:30 to 10:40 a.m. and then classes resumed. She did not answer if the metal detectors the Allentown School Board approved buying for the school district's three high schools have been installed at the schools.
The board approved spending $557,176 for detectors in October, with Dieruff slated to receive five units.
ASD Communications Manager Melissa Reese said a message to families went out updating them about the incident and letting them know there may be an increased police presence at the school for the remainder of the week.
