ORANGE — After a fellow student tipped off police, a student was arrested when he arrived at a Mahar soccer game with a gun.
According to Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Superintendent Tari Thomas, the “Orange Police Department was able to immediately intercept the student as soon as he arrived on the property. They confiscated the weapon and placed the student into custody” on Thursday night.
Details about the suspect, other than his gender, are not being released due to the fact he is a juvenile.
“At no time was the gun used to threaten other students and there is no reason to believe anyone is in danger at this time,” Thomas wrote in her statement.
Thomas further said her office, school administrators and local police are collaborating on this incident and, due to the fact there is an ongoing investigation, no more information can be shared at this time. The school district, which serves middle and high school students from Orange, Petersham, Wendell and New Salem, will keep the public updated “as the investigation progresses,” Thomas said.
“Please reassure your child that this incident is being addressed by the Orange Police Department and the school administration,” Thomas said. “We truly feel your child is safe at school. The Orange Police Department feels this is an isolated incident, and that our students and faculty are safe.”
An online post from the Orange Fire Department praised the student who alerted authorities about the potentially dangerous situation.
“Outstanding job to the student who chose to speak up to alert authorities and keep others safe,” the statement reads. “Kudos to Orange Police Department for apprehending the suspect right away upon his arrival. Great team effort keeping our community and children safe.”
Reach David McLellan at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.