Toy pistol calls for closure and early termination at Upper Darby High School

UPPER DARBY, PA. (WPVI) –

A jettisoned toy pistol led to a lock-out and early dismissal at Upper Darby High School on Thursday morning.

It all began around 8 am when a staff member in a busy hallway saw what appeared to be a real firearm dropped from a student's backpack.

This student picked it up, but a lockdown was quickly called.

The police responded and the article was finally found. It turned out to be a realistic toy pistol belonging to a 16 year old teenager.

"Thanks to the school camera, we were able to spot the guy, we went up and out of the classroom, and in his crotch was this rifle," said the superintendent of the police. Michael Chitwood.

It was a morning that had a stomach ache for many family members who were waiting in front of the school and who, in many cases, were receiving conflicting texts and rumors of students inside.

The police were not able to talk to the student to find out why he had the toy gun. Because of his age, the police say his parents will have to be with him before he is questioned.

The Upper Darby Police Department stated that during the lockdown they had received 14 calls that they could not answer.

"Five of them were priority appeals handled by outside jurisdictions.Before doing anything irresponsible in any of our schools, remember that you put others in need in danger, "police said on Twitter.

In his statement, Acting Superintendent Dr. Daniel P. McGarry said he understood how confusing this type of situation is for the community.

"I am sorry for the concern caused by this morning's situation and appreciate your support, as we always make the safety of our children the top priority," McGarry said.

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