Crime & Safety

Found Bullets Fell From Student’s Backpack, No Charges Filed, Cops Say

All firearms and ammunition at student's home accounted for and secured, police report.

Three bullets found on the sidewalk between Flocktown and Kossmann school buildings Monday morning fell out of a specific student’s backpack, Washington Township police said.

During morning arrival at the two-building campus, a student came across a bullet lying on the sidewalk and brought it to the main office just before 8 a.m., Lt. Mark Niemynski said.

An ensuing investigation led to the schools being put in a shelter-in-place safety procedure as police and K-9 units canvassed the area. At that point two more of the same caliber bullets – .40 caliber Smith and Wesson – were found in the vicinity, Niemynski said.

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The bullets were specifically rounds used for pest control, Niemynski said.

Detectives investigating the incident were able to determine the ammunition had fallen through a specific student’s backpack, Niemynski said. The investigation revealed the same ammunition was present at the student’s residence, Niemynski said.

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A search of the home found all firearms there were accounted for, secure and inaccessible, Niemynski said. There was no conclusive proof that ammunition was intentionally brought to school property, Niemynski said.

Superintendent Jeff Mohre released numerous statements to the community this week reassuring residents that the school was never in danger and that safety is a top priority always.

No criminal charges are being pressed in the matter. 

Request for comment from Mohre, Assistant Superintendent Rick Papera, and Flocktown-Kossmann Principal Michael Craver was not immediately returned Friday. 

For questions about this post, email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.


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