Police: Student brings loaded gun, heroin, crack cocaine into Worcester school

WORCESTER, Mass. — A teen was arrested Monday morning for allegedly bringing a loaded handgun along with an abundance of drugs into school.

Authorities responded to the Worcester Alternative School around 11:30 a.m. after school administrators found illegal drugs in a student’s backpack, according to Worcester Police.

Arriving officers searched the teen’s backpack and allegedly found a loaded handgun, bags of what appeared to be heroin, bags of apparent crack cocaine, and bags of apparent powdered cocaine.

A 17-year-old male juvenile was charged with firearm and drug-related offenses.

Police say families were notified of the incident by the school’s administration. In a letter to parents, Principal Ann O’Leary Ortiz said the safety of students and staff is always a top priority.

“While we do not believe the student in question was planning to harm our students or staff, we do not tolerate weapons of any kind on school property,” she wrote. “This incident did not disrupt the school day and the safety of students and staff was maintained at all times. We are in close communication with the Worcester Police Department about this incident. We will remain in close communication with the Worcester Police now and in the days ahead to ensure the safety of everyone at our school. In addition, please know our school counselors are available to speak with any student or staff member who would like to talk about this incident.”

There were no reports of any injuries.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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