Waverly, N.Y. — Waverly Police announced Wednesday the arrest of a Waverly man for criminal possession of a firearm on school grounds.
Waverly Police arrested 47-year-old William M. McAuliffe of Waverly, N.Y. at his home without incident at 3:45 p.m., Friday, August 19. He is accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm by knowingly storing a rifle in a school-owned vehicle while it was parked on school property (Waverly Jr.-Sr. High School) on Thursday, August 18.
McAuliffe was employed as a custodian with the Waverly Central Schools at the time of the alleged incident. He was arraigned in Tioga County, New York CAP Court and was held in lieu of bail at the Tioga County Jail, to await further legal action.
A statement from Waverly School Superintendent Eric Knolles regarding the incident appeared on the district’s website Wednesday:
Wolverine Team,
I want to clarify an item that is hitting the news today. Last week the Waverly Police Department arrested one of our employees following up on a Barton Town domestic disturbance call. Our police were able to locate the individual and our admin team was able to provide security footage to support their investigation. The police were able to arrest the individual for possession of a weapon on school grounds, a felony. The incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance in Barton Town, Thursday night. The threat was not directed at the school or our students; however, the event entered our parking lot. The school district has taken the necessary personnel steps to make sure this individual is not a future threat. I want to personally thank Waverly PD, our high school administration team, and our tech director for their actions. Our thoughts continue to be with the families impacted by domestic violence and substance abuse.
Kids, Community and Each Other.
Eric Knolles
Superintendent, Waverly CSD
