W. SCRANTON, LACKWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say a man trying to gain entry into West Scranton High School, resulting in the school being placed on "secure status," is now facing charges.
According to the Scranton Police Department, on September 19, around 10:00 a.m., officers were called for a welfare check on 29-year-old Michael Villa, who was denied access to West Scranton High School.
Police say they spoke with West Scranton High School, who said Villa came in and asked if he could come inside to tour the school, then was advised to leave.
School officials claimed Villa had previously tried to get into the school because he was a "graduate and wanted to see the place," as stated in court documents.
The Scranton School District placed all buildings on a "secure status" as a result of Villa walking around the property.
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Mayor Cognetti's office responded to Friday's incident in a statement:
The Mayor was notified that an inactive member of the city’s Human Relations Committee was involved in an incident that’s been described as a mental health crisis. The Mayor is grateful for the brave work of Scranton Police to respond to the mental health episode and transport the individual to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation and the care they need.
Prior to the unacceptable events of last week, the City Administration was made aware in late August that Mr. Villa had abandoned his position with the Human Relations Commission, as he had not participated in the Commission in two years. We were, and continue to be, in the process of identifying a replacement, which will require City Council approval.
City Solicitor Jessica Eskra
You can also find the full statement from Scranton Mayoral Candidate Trish Beynon below:
Scranton Families Put at Risk - press releaseDownload
