District officials noted that the handgun did not leave the backpack and that district policies were followed; the district emphasized there were no injuries.

The handgun involved is semiautomatic and was loaded with five rounds of ammunition, according to the district attorney's office.

Matthews told investigators he had placed the firearm in the wrong backpack, a mistake for which he now faces the charged offenses.

East Pikeland Township Police Department is leading the investigation and is asking anyone with information to call 610-935-0606.

No one was injured and there were no threats reported to students or staff during the incident.

Arraignment and bail information have not been released, and it remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed or what steps the school will take next.

Arraignment and bail details for Matthews were not available at the time, with investigators continuing to pursue leads.

The district attorney and local police criticized the swift and effective actions by school officials and law enforcement in securing the school and ensuring safety.

A man identified as Russell Matthews, 58, of Phoenixville, has been charged with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person after a loaded handgun was found in a student backpack that ended up at Harres Hill Elementary School in East Pikeland Township.

An arraignment for Matthews is scheduled for April 23, with no attorney listed at the time of reporting.

The incident began around 12:15 p.m. when school staff found a student’s backpack containing a loaded semiautomatic handgun, and a student alerted a counselor around 12:18 p.m., after which administrators secured the weapon pending police arrival.

Matthews faces charges of reckless endangerment of children and recklessly endangering another person and has been taken into custody.