Two Reading High School students are in police custody after gaining access to the school through an unauthorized entrance, fleeing, with one caught by school security with a firearm, the Reading School District relayed to parents via phone/email Wednesday afternoon.
According to the district, the two students were observed being let into the building through an unauthorized entrance by a third student. As this happened, an employee notified school security, who identified the two students and approached them.
The students then ran out of the building, with one student apprehended outside of the building by a member of the school’s security team. The district says the student was in possession of a firearm.
The second student was apprehended by Reading police shortly after. The district says both students are currently in police custody.
In addition, the district says the third student who gave the other students unauthorized access to the high school is under investigation.
During this time, the district says a “Secure Action” was called. During a Secure Action, students and staff are brought inside the building and all exterior doors are locked. No one is allowed in or out of the building.
“The Reading School District praises the work and bravery of the Safe Schools team. We also applaud the quick thinking of the employee who identified the students being let into the building. We thank the Reading Police Department for its timely and professional response” said the district via phone/email message to parents.
“Throughout this year, the District has focused on improving safety procedures District-wide. New video equipment, staff coordination, weapons scanners, and improved Safety Team procedures, such as the Secure Action, all contributed to diffusing any potential incidents before escalation today.”
“Working together, we can all help to ensure the safety of our students and staff, which remains our top priority. If anyone has information about this incident or any other threats, anonymous tips can be submitted through Safe2SayPA.org, by calling 1-844-723-2729.”
Thursday evening, the district announced that due the incident and ongoing criminal investigation, Reading High School will switch to a remote learning day for Thursday, April 27 and Friday, April 28.
This post will be updated when additional information is released by authorities.
