Crime & Safety
Phoenixville Man Sent Child To Elementary School With Loaded Handgun: Police
The child discovered the weapon during the middle of the school day, police said.
PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A Phoenixville man has been arrested after police said he sent his child to elementary school with a loaded handgun in his backpack.
Russell Matthews, 58, has been charged with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.
The incident was uncovered at Hares Hill Elementary School in East Pikeland at around 12:18 p.m.
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The young student noticed the handgun when he opened his backpack while in school, and immediately told a school counselor, police said.
The semiautomatic handgun was loaded with five rounds of ammunition.
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Matthews later told police that he had placed the weapon "in the wrong backpack."
A preliminary hearing will be scheduled for Matthews in the near future.
East Pikeland Township Police are continuing to investigate the case. If you have any information, contact them at 610-935-0606.
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