Dover police: Teen charged after displaying gun near Parkway Academy

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DOVER — A 17-year-old Dover male was arrested Monday after allegedly displaying a loaded firearm near Parkway Academy Central, his former school.

The incident occurred around 2:02 p.m., Dover police spokesman Sgt. Mark Hoffman said, adding that “there were no threats made by the former student, but the presence of a firearm in itself is an obvious risk.”

A person who answered the phone Tuesday at Parkway Academy Central — described on its Facebook page as an “Alternative School Setting Transforming lives one student at a time” — declined comment.

The teen was seen in the parking lot the school shares with The Depot convenience store, but authorities could not disclose how they learned he was on the property “due to the nature of the investigation.”

By the time officers arrived, the juvenile had fled the scene at 111 S. West St., Sgt. Hoffman said. He added that pursuing officers first located the juvenile in the 100 block of South Queen Street, but he fled as they approached.

The juvenile was seen clutching his waistband during the foot pursuit, police said, and he eventually fell down. A teal 9 mm handgun, which was not reported stolen, was found in the area the teen fell.

The suspect continued to run before being taken into custody near the Dover Fire Department, between South Governors Avenue and South Bradford Street, at approximately 2:10, Sgt. Hoffman said.

His charges include carrying a concealed deadly weapon, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a person prohibited (two counts), possession of a deadly weapon in a school zone, illegal gang participation and resisting arrest. He was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center, Milford, on a $17,100 secured bond and remained in custody Tuesday.

Police asked anyone with information to call 302-736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or here.

Since April 26, Dover police have arrested five teens on firearms charges in four separate cases. Additionally, 12- and 17-year-old males were shot in an incident May 10.

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