SCHENECTADY, NY (WTEN) — It was a scary moment at Schenectady High School Friday afternoon when police say they found a loaded gun inside the bag of a student who was trying to enter the building.
Lieutenant Ryan Macherone with the Schenectady Police Department stated, “[What] we’re trying to figure out right now is why somebody would do this.” He said that the 18-year-old was arrested by community engagement officers after her bag set off the weapons detection system at the school. “They were able to detain that female on scene and with the help of staff at the school and were able to confirm that it was a loaded weapon.”
The weapons detection system was put into place in early January of this year at the high school after a number of fights at the beginning of the school year.
NEWS10’s Reporter James De La Fuente asked the lieutenant if there was ammunition found with the gun beside it being loaded.
To which Macherone responded, “There was ammunition in the firearm itself. I don’t know the exact magazine capacity, but I know the magazine had had rounds in it.” He went on to praise those involved in the successful use of the weapons detection system, “You know, this is a good case where the metal detector, the CEOs and the staff at the school were working together and were able to be successful in making it safe.”
The student is being charged with one Felony in the 2nd degree for Criminal Possession of a Weapon and another lesser felony for Criminal Possession of a weapon on school grounds. Attorney Bob Babcock, Partner at Tully Rinckey said the lesser charge does not carry much jail time but, “The Criminal Possession of a Weapon charge is 3.5 to 15 years in prison.”
And as for the age of the student suspect since she is now considered an adult the attorney said, “These charges put forth by the Schenectady Police Department on the 18-year-old suspect accused of bringing a loaded gun to school show just how serious they are about this case. Making sure students have a safe place to learn is paramount, and the seriousness of these charges and the possible jail time these suspect faces should deter anyone else from ever thinking about doing something similar to this incident.”
The student was taken to the Schenectady County Jail until her preliminary arraignment. No court date has been set.
