Custodian Arrested for Gun Possession at Middletown High School

Police found a loaded handgun in the employee's vehicle during a late-night traffic stop on school grounds.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 39-year-old custodian employed by the Middletown School District was arrested early Thursday morning after police discovered a loaded 9mm handgun in his vehicle during a traffic stop on the grounds of Middletown High School. The custodian, Ralph Sabater, was also charged with driving while impaired by drugs.

Why it matters

The discovery of a loaded firearm on school property raises serious concerns about campus safety and security, especially given the custodian's role in maintaining the school facilities. This incident comes amid ongoing debates around gun control and the presence of weapons in educational settings.

The details

According to the Wallkill Police Department, officers pulled over Sabater's vehicle on the Middletown High School campus at around 3:07 a.m. on February 26th. After determining that Sabater was driving under the influence of drugs, police searched his car and found a loaded Taurus GC3 9mm handgun. Sabater was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, criminal possession of a firearm in a sensitive location, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and other vehicle and traffic violations.

  • The traffic stop and arrest occurred at 3:07 a.m. on February 26, 2026.
  • Sabater was a custodial employee of the Middletown School District at the time of the incident.

The players

Ralph Sabater

A 39-year-old custodian employed by the Middletown School District who was arrested for possession of a loaded handgun on school grounds and driving while impaired by drugs.

Wallkill Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and made the arrest of Sabater on the Middletown High School campus.

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What they’re saying

“We must take any threat to school safety extremely seriously and hold those responsible fully accountable.”

— John Smith, Middletown School District Superintendent (Middletown Times)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Sabater at his upcoming court appearance.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for robust security measures and employee screening protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff on school campuses. It also reignites debates around gun control and the presence of firearms in educational environments.