An East Chicago teen is facing charges after he was caught May 4 with a loaded Glock 22 handgun at East Chicago Central High School, records allege.
A’Jonya Shorter, 18, is charged with dangerous possession of a firearm, a Level 5 felony; possession of a firearm on school property, a Level 6 felony; and misdemeanor unlawful carrying of a handgun.
He is being held without bond, before it is set on May 22 at $5,000 cash surety.
His next court date is May 12. His lawyer, Russell Brown, was not immediately available for comment.
Police responded around 9 a.m. to the school, 1100 W. Columbus Drive.
The gun was wrapped in a white Strack & Van Til plastic bag in his backpack. Shorter was caught on camera as the metal detectors went off.
As he started to take things out of the backpack, he appeared to struggle briefly with security before he grabbed the white bag and ran out the door.
He tossed the gun into the bushes. He was caught outside near the entrance by school staff.
Shorter told them he “messed up,” one later said.
He signed a plea deal in juvenile court in November for criminal recklessness and dangerous possession of a firearm.
Principal Abrian Brown said the teen was on their “radar” due to his criminal case and access to guns. Police found background pictures with guns on his phone.
