CATASAUQUA, Pa. — A student was found to be in possession of a firearm at a charter school building, Catasauqua Police said Tuesday.
Police were dispatched to Innovative Arts Academy, 330 Howertown Road, about 2 p.m. Tuesday on a report of a student with a gun, according to a police release.
"School officials secured the firearm prior to police notification," the release said.
Responding officers took possession of the firearm.
The investigation continues, but officials said there is no threat to the public or school community.
Innovative Arts Academy shared a statement on its website, saying the school values safety and "the situation is under control."
"Our internal protocols and training identified this situation quickly and avoided a potentially more serious situation," the statement says. "Per police investigation, it appears as though there was no intent, nor was anyone in imminent danger. We will continue to ensure a safe learning environment for our students and staff."
Later Tuesday night, Innovative Arts Academy CEO Brad Schifko provided an update on the situation in a Facebook post.
"This afternoon, near the end of the school day, prior to dismissal, school administrators discovered a weapon during a search after a vape sensor was activated," Schifko said. "The student associated with this situation was removed from the public area and questioned by administration and local law enforcement where it was determined that the student did not appear as a threat to the greater student body.
"As you are aware, we cannot provide details, but please understand the health, welfare, and safety of our students and staff is paramount to our mission and we constantly strive to provide a safe learning environment."
Schifko said students were gathered at the gymnasium for a pep rally and dismissed from there.
Following the incident, Schifko said "the entire school building has been searched and reviewed." As a precautionary measure, additional police presence will be in immediate and surrounding areas Wednesday, Schifko said, and detection wands will be used by security personnel throughout the day.
Police said they would not comment further on the incident.
