Update: Loaded Handgun at Lawrence Township High School Causes Lockdown; Student Charged with Weapons Offences

December 8, 2021

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday December 8, 2021, at approximately 0830hrs, the administration at Lawrence High School was informed that a student was possibly in possession of a weapon. They, along with Lawrence Township Police Department School Resource Officer Steven Austin located the student and recovered a loaded handgun. The student was immediately taken into custody without incident.

The Lawrence Township Police Department in conjunction with the Lawrence High School administration, Mercer County Prosecutors Office and Mercer County Sheriffs Department began conducting a detailed investigation. At this time, the school was placed in lockdown and a K-9 sniff of all student’s book bags was conducted. No other weapons were located during this investigation. The exterior of the school and the surrounding area were also searched by officers which yielded negative results.

The student who was taken into custody is being charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Weapon

• Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes

• Possession of a firearm on school grounds

• Possession of a defaced firearm

All other questions can be directed to Chief Brian Caloiaro at (609)844-7101 or PIO Lt. Christopher Longo at (609)844-7128