ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — A 17-year-old was arrested after police found a loaded handgun in his waistband during a search near Aliquippa High School on Wednesday night, police said.
Aliquippa police officers on patrol first noticed two teens walking along Main Street near the high school. Police said the teens’ clothing and what appeared to be a handgun drew the officers’ attention.
“Kids don’t understand. ... It’s 75 degrees out, and you’re wearing three layers of clothes, a Carhartt jacket and hoodies,” Aliquippa Police Chief John Lane said. “You’re just asking for us to bring attention to them.”
Police said the teens initially walked directly toward officers, which Lane described as unusual given that juveniles are prohibited from possessing handguns.
“It was surprising to the officers, as they were carrying guns, being juveniles, knowing they can’t possess handguns, would walk straight up to the officers,” Lane said.
When officers attempted to approach the teens, one ran away, prompting a search of the area around the high school.
Police established a perimeter and requested assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, which sent a helicopter to assist in the search, Lane said.
The fleeing teen was not found and remained at large. Police said charges are pending.
The other teen, 17, was taken into custody. Police said they found a fully loaded handgun in his waistband.
He was taken to a juvenile detention facility and faces gun-related charges as well as a charge related to resisting arrest, police said.
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