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Student Tries To Sneak Loaded Gun Into Poughkeepsie High School, Police Say

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- A 16-year-old male student at Poughkeepsie High School has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon after he tried to bypass school security and sneak a loaded .22 caliber handgun into the school around 10 a.m. Wednesday, said City of Poughkeepsie Det. Lt. Matt Clark.

A 16-year-old student was stopped from carrying a 22 caliber handgun into Poughkeepsie High School on Wednesday.

A 16-year-old student was stopped from carrying a 22 caliber handgun into Poughkeepsie High School on Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Poughkeepsie Schools

The student tried to bring the gun through the main entrance, setting off the metal detectors, where he was stopped by school security. After another failed attempt to enter through the metal detectors, the student left that area and went to a back door entrance to the school and hid something under the door, said Clark.

Another member of the school's security team watched as the teen hid the gun under the door wrapped in a sweatshirt and was able to retrieve it, Clark said.

The teen left the area, but later turned himself into police headquarters with his father, where he was taken into custody and charged, Clark added.

"He did provide us with a reason, but we are commenting on it at this time," Clark said. 

The student is being held at the Dutchess County Jail.

"The 16 year old student never made it into the school with the gun; excellent work by school security prevented this from happening," Clark said. 

The gun is the 33rd handgun recovered in the city this year. Anyone with information on this case, or who may have information on other illegal handguns in the City of Poughkeepsie should call 845-451-7577.

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