Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
The Catasauqua Police Department seized a firearm reported to be in a student’s possession Tuesday at a charter school in the Lehigh County borough. Innovative Arts Academy Charter School CEO Brad Schifko confirmed police responded to the school at 330 Howertown Road for what he called “an unfortunate incident.” “The Catasauqua Police Department was contacted promptly, and the situation is under control,” he said in an email. Police in a news release said officers were dispatched about 2 p.m. to the school for a report of a student found to be in possession of a firearm. “School officials secured the firearm prior to police notification,” the release states. “Officers responded and took possession of the firearm.” Authorities were not immediately releasing further information. “Our internal protocols and training determined this situation quickly and avoided a potentially more serious situation,” Schifko wrote to lehighvalleylive.com. “We value the safety and security at the school and are continuing to work with the Catasauqua Police as they investigate and will continue to ensure a safe environment for our students and staff.” Supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
