Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Bullet shells found outside Brownstown Elementary
BY RYAN ROBINSON, Staff Writer

A student found three empty bullet shells in the mulch at a playground at Brownstown Elementary School on Thursday, police said.

Police do not believe a gun was shot there, however.

The student told a teacher about the casings, and officials at the building on School Lane notified police, West Earl Township police Chief Brian Brandt said.

"We don't know why the empty shell casings were there or how long they were there," he said.

Police believe the casings are from a rifle, but "there have been no reports of someone shooting a rifle on or near the school property," Brandt said. "They were likely brought in from another location."

"While concerning, based on the limited information we have, I do not believe there is any danger to the students or the public," the chief said.

"The school is in a residential area, and I would believe someone would have called if they heard or saw someone firing a rifle on the school property."

rrobinson@lnpnews.com