Superintendent: Aliquippa Student Arrested For Bringing Gun To School
ALIQUIPPA (KDKA) - The Aliquippa School District is reviewing its security policies after a student brought a gun to school.
In a letter to parents, Superintendent David Wytiaz said the student arrived late to class Wednesday morning at the Aliquippa Junior-Senior High School.
He did not pass through the security checkpoint and metal detector.
A staff member later noticed the student had placed what turned out to be a 9mm semi-automatic weapon in the gym bleachers.
"Aliquippa Police were contacted and responded immediately. The student was placed under arrest. Possession of a weapon on school property is illegal and is a violation of our Code of Student Conduct. In addition to the arrest, appropriate disciplinary action was taken," the letter said.
Aliquippa Police have taken 18-year-old Raequan Wannamaker into custody in connection with the incident. He's charged with possessing a gun without a license, bringing a gun on school property and receiving stolen property because the gun was stolen.
"It concerns me when any 18-year-old is possessing a firearm, especially on school property," said Aliquippa Police Chief Don Couch.
The superintendent says this situation showed a weakness in the security procedures and from now on, no matter what time a student arrives, they will have to go through the metal detector or wand search.
In the letter, the superintendent also commended "the staff on their actions of identifying and preventing a dangerous situation."
"Nobody came forward. We haven't learned anything from any other sources of his having intent to use the gun on school property," Chief Couch said.
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