A juvenile was taken into custody Wednesday morning, November 4, after police investigating an online threat discovered that the suspect had brought a loaded handgun into Exeter Junior High School and discarded it in a hallway trash can, according to the Exeter Township Police Department.
The investigation began when the Central Berks Regional Police Department (CBRPD) became aware of an online threat directed toward two juveniles, one residing within its jurisdiction and the other in Exeter Township.
According to police, the threat was accompanied by a video showing a juvenile suspect possessing and handling a handgun, later identified as a Ruger-57.
CBRPD immediately notified the Exeter Township Police Department, and officers from both agencies responded to Exeter Junior High School to investigate.
During the investigation, officers determined that the juvenile suspect had brought the handgun into the school and placed it in a hallway trash can before police arrived. Officers located and recovered the loaded firearm shortly after arriving at the school.
The juvenile suspect was taken into custody without incident and remained in police custody at the time of the department’s announcement.
Preliminary information suggests the juvenile may have obtained the handgun while visiting the residence of a family friend. Investigators are continuing to examine how the suspect gained access to the weapon and the circumstances surrounding the online threat.
Police said officers from both departments worked closely with Exeter Township School District officials to address the situation, recover the firearm and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Authorities reported that no additional threats to the school community have been identified.
The Exeter Township Police Department acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and the concerns it may raise among parents, students and school employees. The department credited the immediate communication and coordinated response between law enforcement agencies and school officials with bringing the situation to a safe resolution.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police are continuing to examine the nature of the online threat and how the juvenile obtained and brought the firearm onto school property.
Additional information, including any potential charges, will be released when appropriate, police said. Certain details are being withheld because juveniles are involved.
