A Gillingham Charter School student was arrested last week after he brought a prohibited weapon on school grounds and fought with police.
According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojiechowsky, on April 4th, 2022 around 10:40am, Pottsville Police were dispatched to 912 W Howard Ave, Gillingham Charter School, for a report of a man who had a prohibited sharp-edged weapon on the premises and was uncooperative and refusing to turn it over to staff.
Police were also advised that the school had been placed on lockdown as the incident was occurring due to the weapon and the adult student’s behavior.
On arrival Ptlm. Jonathan Randolph, the initial responding officer, attempted to speak with the Thomas Andrew Lutz, 18, of St. Clair and complete a search of his person.
Lutz refused all verbal directions to comply with the necessary actions presented by the officer and eventually stated he would not do so.
Lutz then physically resisted the officer’s attempt to secure him and created a confrontational situation in the school hallway. He once again ignored all verbal commands and was warned that a Taser could be utilized if he continued his resistance.
Lutz then chose to charge at the officer and attempted to disarm the officer of his Taser at which point Lutz was tased and quickly physically secured without injury to the officer or Lutz.
He was removed from the school property and a criminal complaint was prepared by Randolph charging him with Aggravated Assault, Attempt to Disarm a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Weapon on School Property, Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.
Lutz was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Reiley who set bail for Lutz at $10,000. Lutz was unable to post bail and was committed to the Schuylkill County Prison.