Mention of Weapon Prompts School Lockdown

A temporary Bensalem Township School District employee allegedly told several students that he had a weapon in his possession, prompting a school lockdown Wednesday afternoon, according to police. 

Bensalem Police responded to Belmont Hills Elementary School at 1:45 p.m. after receiving information that the man, who police said is in his 70s, reportedly told "several" students that he had a weapon. 

When the students reported the incident to the school, staff and administration immediately notified police. Established procedures and protocol were put into place and the school was placed in lockdown.

Police interviewed the man and a thorough check of the school was conducted. No weapon was found, Bensalem Police Sgt. Andrew Aninsman said.  

He was transported to the police station for further questioning and is in the process of being transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation, Aninsman said. No charges are pending at this time, according to Aninsman.

Aninsman said there was "no danger" to students. At about 3:10 p.m., Aninsman told reporters that the scene was "clear" and that the school had resumed "normal operations."  

"This was a good example of the success due to the coordinated training between the school district and first responders," Aninsman said. 

To keep up-to-date on this and other Bensalem stories, "like" us on Facebook, follow us on twitter, and sign up for Patch's daily email newsletter.