Ludlow police charge two teens over weapons incident at playground

Police Chief Daniel Valadas reported today that two teenagers were charged with weapons possession following an incident on a school playground.

On May 15, around 8:15 p.m., police received several 911 calls reporting armed youths on the playground of Harris Brook Elementary School. The callers said the youths had ridden away on bicycles.

Even though the school was closed, officers quickly searched for the suspects. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., they found three male teenagers on bicycles matching the description in War Memorial Park.

Police found an unloaded .380 caliber pistol on a 15-year-old boy. He was arrested and bail was set at $25,000.

Following further investigation, Ludlow Police also charged a 17-year-old man in connection with the incident.

“Our officers did an excellent job responding to this emergency and locating the suspects,” Valadas said. “Fortunately, no one fired the weapon or was injured. These boys put themselves and others in serious danger.”

The 15-year-old is charged with carrying a firearm without a permit, possession of a large capacity firearm, improper storage of a large capacity firearm and carrying a dangerous weapon on school property.

The 17-year-old is accused of carrying a dangerous weapon on school grounds and carrying a firearm without a permit.

Both teenagers will appear in Juvenile Court in Palmer County Court.

Police Chief Valadas emphasizes the seriousness of the incident and wants to reassure residents that the police resolved it quickly and safely.