Multiple schools placed on lockdown after parent discovers missing guns

MISHAWAKA Ind. - Penn-Harris-Madison officials say Bittersweet, Schmucker, Penn and Pennway schools were placed on external lockdown Monday morning.

The parent of a Schmucker student who has been missing since the weekend called the St. Joseph County Police Department around 8:15 a.m. with uncertainty about the location of two weapons possibly missing from the home.

The sheriff's department and PHM officials placed Schmucker, Bittersweet, Penn and Pennway schools on lockdown at 8:20 a.m., according to PHM Director of Safety and Security Mike Seger.

No threats were made by the student, Seger said.

Schmucker administrators located the student, who was dropped off at the school by someone in a vehicle.

St. Joseph County Police approached the student and no weapons were found on the student, Seger said.

The lockdowns were lifted at approximately 9 a.m.

One of the weapons was located at a home.

The other weapon was believed to be with a student in another local school district.

Officials from School City of Mishawaka said they learned a John Young Middle School student may be involved in the theft of handguns.

The student was taken from class and he was searched. No weapon was found on his person.

An unloaded handgun was located in the student's backpack.

Mishawaka Police took the student into custody.