Shaler High School student wanted by police after mother finds stolen gun in his room in custody

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Shaler Area High School student who was found with a stolen gun in his home is in custody, sources say.

Multiple agencies began searching for the student Thursday morning in the 1400 block of Anderson Road. Police said there was no immediate threat to the school or public.

The student’s mother had found a handgun on the student’s bed when she went to wake him up, police say. She took it and refused to give it back when the student told her to, even threatening that if she didn’t give it back, he’d be dead.

Police say the student ran into the woods with his backpack, which was later found in the woods with no weapons in it. The student has not been found, and police say he may have gotten a ride from someone.

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office said detectives were running surveillance at a house on Soose Road in Shaler, where the student was known to spend a lot of time.

Police said the student arrived at that house just before 4 p.m. and was taken into custody without incident.

Channel 11’s Gabriella DeLuca is LIVE at the Shaler Police Department and working to learn more. Tune in to Channel 11 News at 5 and 6 p.m. for the latest details.

Juvenile charges are pending against the student, and police are getting an arrest warrant.

The gun was found to be stolen from another jurisdiction. Police say someone had tried to shave the serial number off.

Allegheny County police, the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office are involved in the case.

Shaler Area School District officials said the high school’s secure status had been lifted by 1:15 p.m. The secure action “uses the strength of the school building itself as protection” and allows students to transition to classes.

“We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we worked together with law enforcement to keep our students and staff safe,” officials stated.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2025 Cox Media Group