MENIFEE (CNS) – A middle school student in Menifee was caught carrying a gun in his backpack while on campus, culminating in his arrest, authorities said Thursday.
The student, whose identity was not disclosed due to his age, was taken into custody Wednesday at Ethan Chase Middle School on Calm Horizon Drive, according to the Menifee Police Department.
Capt. Heriberto Gutierrez said that police officers were at the school to investigate an unrelated incident and were informed by staff that the suspect was walking around campus with a concealed firearm.
“Staff immediately located the identified subject and escorted (him) to the office,” the captain said. “Officers assisted with the search based on the allegations made and located an unloaded firearm in the subject’s backpack. There were no threats made to the school or other students on campus by the subject.”
No classrooms were placed on lockdown.
A possible motive for the juvenile’s allegedly bringing the gun to school was not provided.
The youth was arrested and booked into Riverside Juvenile Hall on suspicion of possession of a firearm on school grounds, a felony, according to Gutierrez.
“MPD would like to urge parents to have productive conversations with their children regarding the dangers of being in possession of a firearm,” he said. “Bringing a firearm or any other weapon onto school grounds is a criminal offense and will be investigated thoroughly by MPD.”
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