Lockdown at Cardinal O'Hara H.S. During Unauthorized Visit By Former Teacher
By Michelle Durham
SPRINGFIELD, Pa. (CBS) -- Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield (Delaware County) was "locked down" for a couple of hours today, due to an incident involving a former teacher.
"We had a report that there was a former teacher in the building who had no reason to be in the building," explains Dr. William McCusker, president of O'Hara. "When another teacher... I wouldn't say 'challenged,' but when he was noticed by another teacher in the gym area of the school, he ran through the gym. That's not what we would consider acceptable behavior. So the gym teacher notified the assistant principal, who immediately put the school in lockdown."
Marple, Springfield, and Haverford police all responded, and swept the building while students remained inside.
The teacher was later apprehended at his house by state police. It was not immediately known what charges if any would be filed against the unidentified former teacher.
As word of this incident spread, about 60-65 parents gathered outside O'Hara. McCusker came out several times to give them updates, and as soon as the all clear was given, parents were allowed to see their kids or take them home.
McCusker says being prepared for emergencies paid off in this case. No students were ever in danger, he adds.
