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Employee arrested after gun found inside Pittsburgh high school

PITTSBURGH — An employee at a Pittsburgh high school was arrested after other employees found a weapon in a staff storage area.

According to a news release, the employee of Westinghouse High School does have a concealed carry license, but weapons are not allowed on school property.

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According to the criminal complaint, James Cole told investigators he brought the loaded handgun to school after he was in a physical confrontation with a student last week and that student threatened to
kill him.

Cole told police he brought the gun into school in his book bag and put it in a secure storage area. He said he started carrying the gun for his safety.

On Thursday, a custodian found the gun on top of a cabinet in the music suite and called school police.

Cole is being charged with having a weapon on school property and endangerment and taken to the Allegheny County Jail.

The district released the following statement:

"We take the safety of our students and staff very seriously.  A communication was sent home to families via the District's parent notification system about today's incident.  The District will complete a review of staff entry protocols districtwide and work collaboratively with the Board and collective bargaining units regarding to any proposed policy changes."

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