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Deer jumps through window, runs through Mercer County school

FARRELL, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Game Commission said a deer had to be destroyed after it was cut and broke its leg smashing into a Mercer County elementary school, frightening students and teachers as it ran through hallways.

Officials said the incident happened about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday as students were arriving at Monsignor Geno Monti School in Farrell.

Principal Alice Connelly said there was "blood all over" because the deer cut itself on the way into the school.

“He came in here and he ran this way down the stairs,” Connelly said. “He tried to jump out the window, went through the door and sat down in a corner.”

Lawrence Hergenroeder, a wildlife conservation officer for the game commission, said the deer likely saw its reflection in a glass window and darted toward it, smashing into the school. He said the deer had to be destroyed beneath a school stairwell because it lost so much blood.

Connelly said it was tough explaining to the student body that the deer died. She said they have been praying for the deer.

“I just told them this is a Catholic school and we are so blessed. So it was blessed and went to heaven,” Connelly said.