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School outside Pittsburgh closed Tuesday after 2 guns found on campus; Teens charged

PITTSBURGH — Two teenagers have been charged and school was cancelled Tuesday at a school outside of Pittsburgh after police discovered two guns on campus on Monday.

Propel Braddock Hills High School will remain closed while officials review security procedures.

The incident began around 2:30 p.m. Monday at the school located in the Braddock Hills Shopping Center.  Parents said they were notified of a lockdown by an automatic message. Many waited outside for hours for their children as police investigated.

According to the criminal complaint, 18-year-old Shaquir Gilmore and a 16-year-old have been charged in the incident.

Investigators said Gilmore was in a bathroom at the school when he was approached by the 16-year-old, who said he wanted to sell him one of two guns.

Gilmore told police that he didn’t want to buy a gun, but told the boy he would hold on to one for the day. Officers said when Gilmore was taken into custody, the Keltec .40 caliber handgun was inside of his backpack.

The 16-year-old was also taken into custody when police found him with the other gun outside of the school.

Gilmore is facing two gun charges including carrying a gun without a license and possession of a gun on school property. He remains in the Allegheny County Jail.

Gilmore’s father told Channel 11 News that his son made a mistake, and he needs to face the consequences.

So far, police have not said what charges the 16-year-old may face.

In addition to the two teenagers, police said several other people were arrested for related incidents, but authorities wouldn't elaborate on what those incidents were.

Propel operates 10 charter schools in Allegheny County, including the elementary school and high school in Braddock Hills off Ardmore Boulevard.

About 700 students attended Propel Braddock Hills in 2013-14.

The superintendent of Propel Schools released a statement Tuesday saying, "As we reflect upon yesterday's isolated incident at Propel Braddock Hills High School, we are grateful that students, faculty and staff are safe.  Families choose to send their students to Propel Schools because of our culture of safety and dignity.  We will continue to review and update policies and exercises that are in the very best interest of student safety, at all times and on all campuses. We wish to thank:· Our students, for their excellent behavior during the lockdown.  We truly see the benefit of practicing these lockdowns on a regular basis, so that students are well-prepared for true emergency events.· Our faculty and staff, for taking excellent care of students during yesterday's lockdown.· Our families, for their outpouring of support and understanding.· Local law enforcement officials, for always ensuring the safety of our students.· Local transportation companies, for their patience and for safely transporting our students each and every day as they travel to school."

WPXI

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