Pa. student who had gun surrenders

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A teenager who wrestled with teachers over a loaded gun found in his locker surrendered to police after a week, authorities said.

Two male teachers violated the school’s security policy when they accompanied the 17-year-old to the locker in search of the gun, Norristown Area School District officials said.

Teachers Steve Harner, 37, and William Michaels, 53, risked getting shot, Superintendent Janet Samuels said. Also, Norristown Area High School should have been locked down, she said.

“There were some communications lapses,” said Samuels, who added that she thought the teachers had good intentions.

Harner opened the third-floor locker, pulled out a black overcoat and felt a handgun in the pocket, police said. The student tried to grab the coat, leading to a struggle before Harner was able to take control of the weapon, they said.

When the student fled, Harner handed off the gun and gave chase, authorities said. Police recovered the .22-caliber revolver from Michaels.

The juvenile, whose name was not released, surrendered Friday, West Norriton Police Chief Robert Adams said. He was charged with aggravated assault and a firearms offense.

Samuels would not say if either teacher would be reprimanded for the April 4 confrontation.