The number of people − and their involvement − in a gun being fired inside a William Penn High School bathroom Tuesday morning has not been determined, according to a Delaware State Police statement issued Wednesday.
No injuries were reported, but the gunfire placed Delaware’s largest high school on lockdown for about 80 minutes as police and school officials secured the school, located at 713 East Basin Road, near New Castle.
Police, who continue to investigate the incident, released a few more details on Wednesday, including that a person was seen running from the rear of the school toward the football stadium following the firing of a gun in a second-floor bathroom.
WHAT HAPPENED:William Penn High closed until next week to investigate gun fired inside school building
“A search of the area led to the discovery of a Glock handgun,” said Senior Cpl. Jason Hatchell, a police spokesman.
Colonial School District closed the school on Wednesday and Thursday so investigators could “conduct a thorough investigation.”
Students are scheduled to return to school on Tuesday — after Friday’s professional development day for staff and the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday.
Students experiencing mental health concerns should contact the National Mental Health Hotline by dialing 988 or mobile crisis at (800) 969-4357. The district said when students return on Tuesday, there will also be “extra support” for any students who may need it, as well as counselors on hand.
Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com.
