By John Chambless
Staff Writer

An incident in which a parent left a handgun in an unlocked and running car at Patton Middle School on the afternoon of Sept. 3 is being investigated by East Marlborough Police.

The parent had a license to carry the firearm, but having it on school grounds has been a source of concern for parents of students at the middle school and Unionville High School, which is nearby.

Late in the afternoon of Sept. 3, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District superintendent John Sanville issued a statement to parents:

“We want to share information with the community about why the police were called to Patton Middle School this afternoon,” Sanville wrote. “First and foremost -- at no time was there ever any danger or threat to our children.

“Our school office called the police to check a car that was left running in the parking lot. Our security folks regularly patrol the facility and the parking lots and came across this car. As they investigated, they saw a holstered gun in the car and immediately contacted the office.

“The car belongs to a parent who explained to the police that they have the appropriate licenses to carry a firearm.

“We take our responsibility to ensure the safety of our students and staff very seriously,” Sanville concluded. “We appreciate the vigilance of our security team and the quick response of our office managers - It truly takes a village.”

A report from East Marlbough Township Police is expected by late this week.