NJ High School Student Found With Loaded Handgun: Police

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Lawrence High School was put on lockdown Wednesday morning after a student was found with a loaded handgun, police confirmed. No injuries were reported.

On Wednesday, Dec. 8, shortly after 8:30 a.m., school authorities were informed that a student might be in possession of a weapon.

Working with the School Resource Officer Steven Austin, district authorities immediately located the student and conducted a search, during which a loaded handgun was found. The student was immediately taken into custody without incident, police said.

The student has been charged with possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, possession of a firearm on school grounds, and possession of a defaced firearm.

Lawrence Township Police Department (LTPD), Mercer County Prosecutors Office, Mercer County Sheriffs Department, and school authorities worked together to "determine the next steps,” School Superintendent Ross Kasun said.

The school went on lockdown after the discovery of the weapon and when it was determined there was no imminent threat, they moved to a “shelter in place.” “This allowed the students to remain in their first-period class,” Kasun said.

Out of an abundance of caution the school building and all student backpacks were searched, Kasun said. After the search, the building was cleared and students were permitted to continue with the rest of the day. No other weapons were found by police during their investigation, authorities said.

Counselors were made available to students who needed to speak with someone about the incident, authorities said.

“The safety and security of our students and staff will always be our top priority. Weapons of any kind are not permitted on or near school property. Any student caught with a weapon will be referred to law enforcement and punished accordingly,” Kasun said.

Kasun commended school staff and township police for their vigilance and quick response, "to ensure that our school remains a safe place for our students to learn.”

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