Three 15-year-old boys are facing felony charges after allegedly having guns at their school.
State police said the teens were detained during an incident Monday that saw Hempfield Area Senior High School in Westmoreland County go on lockdown. Multiple students reported seeing the boys exchange handguns both on the bus and in the school.
The three teens are being charged as juveniles with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses.
All three are charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, receiving stolen property and causing or risking a catastrophe — all of which are felonies.
One teen is accused of bringing two handguns with him to school — allegedly exchanging one on the bus with the second teen, and the other gun with the third teen in a bathroom.
In a news release Tuesday, state police said the two guns were stolen and an investigation into the theft is ongoing.
The teen accused of bringing the guns to the school before exchanging them is facing an additional felony count of theft by unlawful taking.
Another one of the teens is also accused of threatening another student Monday morning before the school’s lockdown. State police said the teen threatened the other student while they were in class, but did not display the handgun he allegedly had in his backpack at the time. That teen is facing an additional charge of terroristic threats.
State police added that while being detained and searched, one of the three involved students also had a vape with suspected THC.
The guns brought into the school were allegedly loaded and police said numerous rounds of ammunition were recovered. Police said there was no indication the students were planning any sort of attack.
Police are still investigating. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact lead investigator Trooper Troy Faulk at 724-832-3288.
State police added that students and parents are always encouraged to report threatening or suspicious activity. Anonymous reports can be made 24/7 through the Safe2Say Something program.
First Published: October 4, 2023, 12:17 a.m.
Updated: October 4, 2023, 12:17 p.m.
