Most, if not all, Americans are—unfortunately—all too aware that school shootings are fairly common despite being one of the most heinous aspects of modern life in the United States. 

Thanks to an anonymous tip, law enforcement officers in Scranton, PA, were able to stave off what might have turned into yet another deadly school shooting. 

Gun crimes are very serious, even if the would-be shooter doesn't think it's a big deal to carry or wave around their firearms. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help anyone charged with such a crime to mitigate the consequences they might otherwise suffer. Get started by calling 888.535.3686 or by filling out this contact form.   

A Black Backpack 

One morning in January, a Scranton woman spotted something unusual: a teenager with a black backpack. She knew that the boy wasn't a student at nearby Scranton High School—for two reasons. For starters, students at the high school are required to carry clear backpacks or bags. Additionally, the teenager stopped the woman to ask for directions to the school, another indication that he wasn't enrolled there. 

The woman, who told officers she'd heard a noise that she thought came from the magazine of an assault rifle, wasted no time in alerting police that there was a potentially dangerous person headed toward Scranton High.   

A Crisis Averted 

Police responded immediately. As they approached the neighborhood of the high school, they spotted the individual in question—a 16-year-old named Sihayr Dickerson. According to the police report, Dickerson was concealing a loaded .22 caliber AR 15-style rifle underneath his shirt. The responding officers also said they believed that Dickerson was in the process of taking “substantial steps” toward carrying out his plan to shoot students and teachers inside the school.  

A Young Man With an Uncertain Future 

Dickerson is currently being held without bail. He will face charges of aggravated assault, firearms offensive, and false identification. What happens to him and to his future remains to be seen. We do know, however, that he will be tried as an adult in this case. 

Of course, everyone connected with Scranton High School is extremely lucky that police officers were able to detain Dickerson before the young man reached the school grounds. That includes Dickerson himself. Despite the very serious charges and their associated penalties, his life could have taken a much worse turn that day.  

Are you facing similar charges? Instead of taking chances with your future, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. They can evaluate the circumstances of your case and mount a legal defense that might very well get your life back on track. Call 888.535.3686 or click here.