Central New York students run from man believed to have gun at sport fields, police say

Apr 16, 2023

Auburn, N.Y. — Central New York students ran from what they thought was a man with a gun at Auburn Junior High on Monday, police said.

Students were at the athletic fields at 3:36 p.m. participating in various sports activities when the man came onto school grounds, Auburn police said.

The man - later identified as Thomas Ivery - pulled what appeared to be a handgun out of his waistband and held it in his hand while near students, police said.

Some students thought it was a gun and ran back to the school for safety, police said.

Ivery had a BB gun that looked like a Glock handgun, police said. He was found on Grant Avenue and arrested, police said.

He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree menacing and unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds, police said.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or [email protected].

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