NEWARK, DE — Newark police say a loaded firearm was discovered during a routine security screening at a high school sporting event last week, leading to the arrest of a juvenile male following an investigation that unfolded on campus and in the surrounding community.
According to the Newark Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., when the department’s School Resource Officer was notified that a Christina School District constable had recovered a loaded firearm during mandatory security screening for entry into a sporting event at Newark High School.
Police said the School Resource Officer responded to the scene and took custody of the firearm. A juvenile female was initially detained after the weapon was located inside a backpack she was carrying. Investigators later determined that the backpack and firearm belonged to her boyfriend, a 17-year-old juvenile male, and that the female was unaware of the contents of the bag.
According to police, the investigation revealed that the juvenile male allegedly brought the firearm onto school property and transferred the backpack to the female prior to the security screening. Authorities said the male then left the area after the female was stopped by security personnel.
Additional Newark police officers responded to the school and conducted a search for the juvenile both inside the building and in the surrounding area. Police said he was later located at his residence and taken into custody without incident.
The juvenile male was charged with possession of a firearm by a person under 21 years of age, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm in a safe recreation zone. All charges are allegations.
Police said the juvenile was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 11, issued $15,000 unsecured bail, and released to a parent.
All criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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