Chief Daniel Valadas reports today that two teenagers face firearms charges after an incident at a school playground.

On May 15, at about 8:15 p.m., police received several 911 calls about teens with a gun at Harris Brook Elementary School’s playground. Callers said the teens were leaving on bicycles.

Though school was out, officers quickly searched for the suspects. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., they found three teenage males on bikes matching the description in War Memorial Park.

Police found an unloaded .380-caliber pistol on a 15-year-old male. They arrested him and bail was set at $25,000.

After further investigation, Ludlow Police Detectives also charged a 17-year-old male in connection with the incident.

“Our officers did excellent work responding to this emergency and finding the suspects,” Valadas said. “Luckily, no one fired the gun or got hurt. These boys put themselves and others in serious danger.”

The 15-year-old faces charges of Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm and Carrying a Dangerous Weapon on School Grounds.

The 17-year-old is charged with Carrying a Dangerous Weapon on School Grounds and Carrying a Firearm Without a License.

Both teens will appear in Juvenile Court at the Palmer District Court.

Chief Valadas stresses the seriousness of the incident and wishes to reassure residents that police resolved it quickly and safely.