Two loaded guns taken from students at Highland High School

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Two Utah high school students were arrested, while another has since been released by police after two loaded firearms were recovered on school property.

According to Salt Lake City Police Department, the incident began when school security reported a suspicious car parked on school grounds around 1 p.m. on Monday.

During a routine patrol of the school, a school resource officer noticed three individuals inside the parked vehicle.

SLCPD said while working in collaboration with school officials, the officer approached the car and initiated a traffic stop. As the officer made the approach, all three students attempted to flee the scene, police said.

Two of the students, both registered at Highland High School, allegedly entered the school premises in an apparent effort to "quickly exit."

Police said a school resource officer was able to detain both students after a brief struggle.

Officials said upon further investigation, it was discovered that both students were in possession of loaded handguns; one of which was reported as stolen.

The officers immediately searched for the third student, who had fled from the vehicle during the traffic stop.

After a short pursuit, police located the third student, identified as a student from East High School.

According to police, the two students found with firearms were taken into custody and will be booked into the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center. The third student was released to a legal guardian.

It remains unclear how the students obtained access to the firearms, as well as their intentions.

The incident remained under investigation.