Charleroi High School student accused of bringing pipe bomb on school property

SPEERS, Pa. — Police said they arrested an 18-year-old high school student Tuesday accused of making pipe bombs and bringing at least one of the bombs to Charleroi High School.

Charleroi School District Police Chief Michael Kresich told Channel 11's Courtney Brennan that Ryan Pfrogner is charged with making the bombs.

“He admitted to us that he did bring a bomb. He made a pipe bomb in his car Friday during school hours. He said he forgot it was in his car,” Kresich said.

Brennan reported that Pfrogner is a National Honors Student and senior at Charleroi High School.

Investigators said there was a bomb scare at the high school on Monday, but no bombs were found.

After further investigation, the 18-year-old admitted to making the bombs and putting one in his car, investigators said. Police said the car was driven onto school property with one of the bombs on Friday.

Pfrogner allegedly made the bombs in his room at his home on River Avenue in Speers. Brennan reported that one person lived in an apartment above his room.

The Allegheny County Bomb Squad was called to the home on Tuesday. Police said they found two of the bombs at the teen's house. Investigators said the third bomb was detonated in a nearby wooded area.

“There were absolutely no threats that he made to anyone about hurting a teacher or doing any damage or destruction to school property,” Kresich said.

Officials said Pfogner was kicked out of school indefinitely and is facing felony charges.

“He’s a great kid and my heart goes out to him and his family, but the first thing we have to do is protect our kids. To bring a device on school grounds is the wrong thing to do,” Charleroi Superintendent Dr. Brad Ferko said.

WPXI