Newark, DE — A 17-year-old male was arrested after a loaded firearm was recovered during a security screening at Newark High School on January 21, authorities announced Monday.
According to the Newark Police Department, the incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m. when a Christina School District Constable discovered the weapon inside a backpack during mandatory security checks for entry into a school sporting event.
A School Resource Officer (SRO) responded immediately, taking possession of the firearm. A juvenile female who had the backpack at the time was initially detained, but investigators later determined that the gun and the bag belonged to her boyfriend, a 17-year-old male. Police said the girl had no knowledge of the weapon inside.
Investigators believe the male brought the loaded firearm onto school property and handed the backpack to the female just before the screening began. Once security personnel stopped her, the teen allegedly left the area.
Additional officers responded to the scene and began searching both inside the school and in nearby neighborhoods. The suspect was later found at his home and taken into custody without incident.
The 17-year-old was charged with:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 21 Years of Age
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
- Possession of a Firearm in a Safe Recreation Zone
He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court #11, where a judge set $15,000 unsecured bail. The teen was released to the custody of a parent.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and police say there is no ongoing threat to Newark High School students or staff.
The Newark Police Department commended school security and district officials for their swift response and cooperation, which ensured the firearm was intercepted before entering the event.