By Jasz Garrett and Jordan Lewis
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – On Tuesday at around 12:40 p.m., staff from Thunder Mountain High School notified the Juneau Police Department (JPD) that a student had a weapon at the school. The principal immediately contacted the student, isolated him from others and the weapon was safely secured.
Four JPD officers responded and investigated the event.
It was determined that a 15-year-old male student had stolen a BB-style handgun out of a vehicle and walked into school with it.
The male was placed into custody and was transported to and detained at the Johnson Youth Center on two counts of Assault in the fourth degree, one count of Disorderly Conduct, one count of Criminal Trespass in the second degree, and one count of Theft in the fourth degree.
Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser said the student was in close proximity to administrators at the time of the report, which allowed school staff to immediately locate the student and secure the weapon.
“The student was cooperative as administrators investigated the situation and worked with law enforcement,” he said.
This is why it was not necessary to take emergency action, such as implementing a school lockdown.
“At the time, I really have to say prompt reporting and quick action helped resolve the situation with minimal disruption to the school day,” Hauser said.
JPD and the JSD want the public to know they take these matters very seriously and they appreciate it when students, parents, staff, and community members bring safety issues to their attention.
“I also just want to thank those who reported it, to the students, to the staff at TM for their cooperation, as well as JPD for their quick response and resolution of the incident,” Hauser said.
If a student needs to report concerns, they can do so to a teacher at the school, a building administrator, or any adult in the building.
If it’s a family member or community member, they can reach out to the school or the district office.
