Teen accused of firing shot outside high school football game charged as adult

LIBERTY, Pa. — The teen accused of firing a shot outside a high school football game two weeks ago has been charged as an adult.

Police say 17-year-old Arthur Philips pulled a handgun out of a bag and fired it at a group of juveniles who had been “antagonizing” him.

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Witnesses told police Philips had been involved in a verbal altercation with a group of juveniles inside the stadium entrance. At one point, Philips told them to leave him alone.

He then allegedly went with the group outside the entrance and fired a single shot in their direction.

Police say Philips admitted to stealing the gun from a vehicle in Wilkins Township.

The change from juvenile to adult charges comes on the same day South Allegheny played at Gladiator Stadium for the first time since the shooting.

The district introduced increased security measures including a new bag policy, more police, and an OPENGATE weapons detection system.

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The district borrowed detectors from Hempfield until their system arrives.

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“I don’t know if there is going to be a safer place on Friday night in Allegheny County than right here,” Superintendent David McDonald said.

“I think it’s amazing. I don’t see why they wouldn’t do that. You don’t want the place getting shot up. It’s a school,” South Allegheny Senior Zach Nalley said.

McDonald also reacted to the news that Philips would be charged as an adult.

“As somebody who has been in education their whole life, you also have a soft spot for that. You hope the lesson is learned, the person does what they need to do, turn it around and become a productive member of our society,” he said.

Philips is a student at Brashear High School. It’s still unclear why he was at the game in the first place.

He has a hearing scheduled for September 16th.

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