Officers Search For Guns, Drugs At Clairton Education Center

CLAIRTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- Many local schools have been locked down and required increased security this year in the face of threats and violent incidents.

Monday, police dogs searched school buildings in Clairton in what was called a "soft lockdown" following the arrests of two teenagers with guns last week.

Wednesday's incident was much more serious than first reported, and could have been tragic if not for the quick response of police.

That's why, on Monday, police K-9 officers searched bathrooms, lockers and classrooms at the Clairton Education Center. After students arrived, the buildings were placed on the soft lockdown, meaning no one could enter or leave.

The district had canceled in-class instruction Thursday and Friday following a potentially lethal incident there on Wednesday.

Three young men reportedly stood outside the building with guns drawn. Police sources told KDKA-TV that an investigation determined the three were waiting to confront a female student over an ongoing dispute. Sources said the female student's mother saw them and called 911, and the youths fled when Clairton police arrived.

Officers would find two handguns and arrest two of the suspects, a 17-year-old and a 14-year-old, both from Clairton.

Sources said the two can be identified on surveillance tape with their respective weapons. According to police sources, both young men are students, but have previous criminal charges pending, and are not permitted on school grounds.

Investigators confirmed they have been charged with firearms violations and terrorist threats. Juvenile court reports are confidential, but sources said they are now on electronic monitoring and home detention pending a preliminary hearing.

The Clairton police chief did not return calls, but Superintendent Ginny Hunt told KDKA-TV that Monday's police search had been scheduled last week, and that there have been no new threats. She said the search did not produce any weapons.