A high school in Gallow Township, New Jersey was placed on lockdown following reports of a student on campus with a firearm.

Around 2 p.m. Friday, police personnel searched Absegami High School’s gym class. One student was seen placing his hands in his pockets and grasping an item as he ran out of the officers’ view. Students were asked to lay on the ground while officers and SWAT team personnel searched every student. No weapons were found on any individual.

Students were eventually escorted from the area while officers searched the school grounds. A .380-caliber handgun was found under the bleachers. The firearm had 5 rounds, including one in the chamber.

Following the incident, Greater Egg Harbor Regional Superintendent John Keenan made parents aware of the situation via email. 

We received information that there may be a gun at Absegami. The school was immediately placed in lockdown as police were contacted and began their investigation. During their investigation, police discovered a loaded handgun on school property and identified students involved in the incident.

Superintendent Keenan did his best to reassure parents that their students are safe on the Absegami High campus.

It is only natural, when receiving this kind of information, that we react with alarm and concern. The safety and security of our students and staff is always our number-one priority. It is unfortunate and sometimes frightening for something so dangerous to happen so close to home. Yet we must continue to work together to support one another and keep the lines of communication open.

While this type of incident is not exclusive to our community, we do take solace in the fact that our schools are among the safest public places. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have a family discussion about personal safety. As always, our counseling staff is readily available to assist any student in need of support.

Once the police were done with their investigation, normal after-school activities resumed.

The suspect is being held at Harborfields Juvenile Detention Center in Egg Harbor City. The student is facing multiple charges, including possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon on school property, as well as other offenses.