17-year-old charged with possession of a firearm at Dieruff High School

ALLENTOWN, Pa - On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Dieruff High School was placed on temporary lockdown.

Allentown police officers received a report of a student inside Dieruff High School possibly in possession of a firearm, according to police.

An Allentown Police School Resource Officer, in collaboration with Allentown School District security, located a student outside the school premises who was carrying a firearm on school property, according to a news release.

As a result of this investigation, a 17-year-old male juvenile was charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Firearm with Altered Manufacturer’s number

• Minor in possession of a firearm

• Carrying a firearm without a license

This matter will be adjudicated in Lehigh County Juvenile Court, according to Allentown Police.

As in every criminal case, the fact that a warrant has been issued or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant in this case is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Please keep in mind that sharing information quickly and effectively is critical to keeping our schools safe.

Any member of the community may contact the District’s Anonymous Tip line 24 hours a day at 1-844-SAF2SAY or safe2saypa.org.

In cases of emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Official news release from the Allentown Police Department