Increased Security To Last Through Season At Abington Football Games

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Attendees at Abington Senior High School football games will encounter increased security through the rest of the season, according to officials.

District officials in an email to Patch said additional security measures will be in effect through the season after a teen was found with a firearm at a game in Schwarzman Stadium last month.

A Cheltenham High School student was charged with bringing a firearm to the Abington-Cheltenham football game at Abington High School on Friday, Aug. 25, authorities said.

Abington School District officials said in the wake of that incident, all football game attendees will be screened by Abington Police and the school police officer with handheld metal detectors.

Fans will no longer be able to leave and reenter the stadium, as well.

All students must show either an Abington School District-issued ID, or identification from the visiting opponent school. Students without district-issued IDs must show proof of enrollment at either school.

Backpacks, large bags, and face coverings will not be permitted in the stadium Face coverings for religious or medical purposes are allowed, however.

Liquids and bottles will not be permitted into the stadium either, district officials said.

During the Aug. 25 night game, an "alert parent" told police she saw the male with a weapon inside the stadium, police said.

The teen was arrested at around 8:26 p.m. and charged with felony weapons offenses after police found a loaded handgun with an extended magazine protruding from his waist area.

A second loaded magazine was also found on the suspect’s person, police said. He was escorted out of the area and taken to the Montgomery County Juvenile Center without further incident.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The football game was suspended at halftime "out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of the students and spectators," police said.

The Abington Ghosts are scheduled to take on Neshaminy High School at 7 p.m. at Schwarzman Stadium.