Phoenixville Dad Charged After Son Finds Loaded Gun in School Backpack

Phoenixville resident Russell Matthews, 58, was charged with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person after his child discovered a loaded semiautomatic handgun in his backpack at Harres Hill Elementary School. East Pikeland Township police were called to the school around 12:18 p.m. on April 13, 2026, following the student's report to a counselor. School staff secured the backpack and firearm in a locked drawer until officers arrived, confirming it held five rounds of ammunition.[1][2][3] Matthews told investigators he accidentally placed the gun in his son's backpack instead of his own, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Chester County District Attorney's Office. The child recognized the weapon as belonging to a relative and promptly alerted school officials, averting potential tragedy at the elementary school in Phoenixville, a borough of about 17,000 in eastern Pennsylvania's Chester County.[1][3] Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe praised the rapid response: "We are grateful to the school officials and the East Pikeland Township Police Department who worked quickly to ensure that Harres Hill Elementary School is safe again." No one was injured, and the firearm was safely secured. Matthews' arraignment and bail details remain unreleased, with East Pikeland police leading the ongoing probe; tips can be directed to 610-935-0606.[1]