State employee awarded after alerting police of teen with gun in Scranton
HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Special Agent working for the Office of State Inspector General has received one of the highest honors in the Commonwealth after alerting police about a teenager who was caught with a gun near Scranton High School.
Special Agent Moriah Harding has received a Governor’s Award for Excellence for preventing a potentially serious crime.
According to a release from State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller, the award comes from an incident in which Harding heard a clicking noise coming from the clothing of a person who was asking for directions to “a Lackawanna County high school”.
The release states that Harding contacted police who were able to intercept the suspect, 16-year-old Sihyar Dickerson, who was found to be in possession of a “long gun” and “numerous rounds of ammunition.”
Authorities say Dickerson plotted to shoot rival gang members at the school after he took a bus to Scranton from Wilkes-Barre in January.
“Special Agent Harding’s actions exemplify OSIG’s dedication to public safety,” . . . “She demonstrated exceptional readiness and courage, acting immediately and prioritizing the safety of others, especially the high school students, above all else. I am deeply thankful for Special Agent Harding and her work with the Office of State Inspector General. I commend her for earning this well-deserved award.”
State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller
The release says the Governor’s Awards for Excellence is the highest level of recognition for Commonwealth employees.
Dickerson pleaded guilty to aggravated assault charges on Tuesday. He is expected to be sentenced in September.
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