School placed on lockdown after gun report; toy gun found

Authorities say a toy gun prompted the temporary lockdown at Chester High School on Tuesday.

The Chester Upland School district said a student reported seeing another student take what looked like a gun from his waistband and put it in his backpack.

Police searched the downtown area, as well as conducted a perimeter search at each of the schools, and were unable to locate any evidence of any threat or suspect.

After the lockdown was issued, police said they believe the student, 15, abandoned the backpack in a stairwell.

It was still unclear whether the student will be detained since bringing a toy gun to school is not a felony.

“Since this weapon is an Airsoft BB gun and not a firearm, it doesn’t qualify under the law to have immediate detention”, Delaware County DA Jack Whelan told KYW Newsradio.

School officials say they are pleased with the calm and cooperation from students and staff.