Editor’s notes: This article updated with information on the arrest of a student at OnTech Charter High School and a statement from the school.
Syracuse, NY — A gun was found in an 18-year-old student’s backpack after a fight Wednesday at a Syracuse charter high school, police said.
The student, Jeremiah Young, was arrested for criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Justice Center jail records.
Police responded to the fight between two people at OnTech Charter High School at 810 Willis Ave. around 12:10 pm, said Kieran Coffey, a spokesperson for the Syracuse police.
A school security guard and a dean attempted to break up the fight and were injured, said Ellen Eagen, founder and head of the school. They were taken to a hospital, she said.
“They are sore but thankfully will return in a few days,” Eagen said in a statement Wednesday evening.
After the fight, a gun was found inside Young’s backpack, police said.
Young was arrested at the school, Coffey said. He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail.
The school issued a stay in place, but classes are still happening, she said.
Eagen said there was no indication that the student brought the gun into the building to cause harm in school.
“We regularly take precautions to ensure school is safe and peaceful,” she said. “As educators we are sad to see that the violence in the city has seen into our school.”
Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her di lei at [email protected].
