Police: Pa. high school football player had gun in locker

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Police arrested a northeastern Pennsylvania high school football player after they say his coach discovered a stolen handgun in his locker.

Investigators say Joe Gerek, the West Scranton football coach, found the weapon Tuesday after hearing a rumor at practice that a 17-year-old player had a gun.

Acting Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano says the gun’s magazine was loaded but there was no bullet in the chamber. He says the weapon was stolen from a vehicle last month.

The Times-Tribune of Scranton reports the player’s name was not released because he’s being charged as a juvenile. School officials say the teen has been recommended for expulsion.

Graziano says police are still trying to determine if the teen stole the gun or obtained it from someone else.