WEST CHESTER, PA — A 58-year-old Phoenixville man is accused of endangering children after a loaded handgun was found inside a student’s backpack at an East Pikeland Township elementary school, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities reported that Russell Matthews has been charged with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person. Arraignment and bail details were not immediately available.
According to investigators, East Pikeland Township Police were dispatched around 12:18 p.m. to Hares Hill Elementary School after receiving a report that a student had brought a firearm to school.
Police reported that school staff had secured the student’s backpack, which contained the firearm, in a locked drawer prior to officers’ arrival.
According to the criminal complaint, the firearm was a semiautomatic handgun loaded with five rounds of ammunition.
Investigators stated that earlier in the day, the student opened the backpack, discovered the firearm, and recognized it as belonging to a relative before immediately reporting it to a school counselor.
Police reported that no students or staff were injured.
According to investigators, Matthews was later interviewed and stated that he had placed the firearm in the wrong backpack.
The East Pikeland Township Police Department is leading the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the department at 610-935-0606.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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