SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say a Scranton School District employee is being charged with having a gun on school property after an alleged argument with another employee.
According to the Scranton Police Department, on March 27, officers were called for a threat/gun report at Memorial Stadium.
Police say they were told by a school employee that 54-year-old Thomas McDonough, of Carbondale, made a threat to shoot another employee, and McDonough had a gun in his vehicle.
Once police arrived, McDonough was questioned, and he permitted officers to enter his vehicle. Inside, officers said they found a .40 caliber handgun in the glove box.
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Investigators stated another Scranton School District employee informed them that he was concerned for McDonough's mental health due to an email he sent to administration "regarding how upset he is with them."
That employee informed officers of the threat and the gun McDonough had in his car; however, the employee later claimed "McDonough did not make any threatening statements towards any employees, including the alleged victim of the argument," as stated in the affidavit.
The Scranton School District released the following statement on the matter:
In accordance with applicable laws governing personnel matters and out of respect for employee confidentiality, the district will not be providing additional comment regarding a recent incident involving a district employee and the presence of a firearm within their personal vehicle on school property.
We understand certain information has been made public through court documents, and the Scranton School District is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.
As always, the health, safety, and welfare of our students remain our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment for every child in our care.
Scranton School District Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating
McDonough was arrested and faces the charge of possession of a weapon on school property.
