OLYMPIA, Wash. — A teen student at Capital High School (CHS) was arrested Wednesday after bringing a loaded firearm to campus on the first day of classes, the Olympia Police Department (OPD) said.
OPD said the student was taken into custody and no one was hurt at the school.
In a letter to parents, the Olympia School District said the CHS administration was tipped off by a community member that the teen may be bringing a loaded gun to school, which allowed the police department to take quick action.
Police arrived at the school at 9:30 a.m. while classes were in session and took the student into custody for being in possession of a firearm. There were no reports that the weapon was displayed or that students or staff were threatened.
Olympia PD told KING 5 the student attempted to run from police but was arrested shortly after. The district said the gun was found concealed on the student.
“I think that's the best message to get out there is that if you suspect something or if you know something, tell someone," said Alexis Roberson, who has a child who is a senior at Capital High School. “So yeah, I'm happy to hear that that system worked.”
Parents said they were concerned when they received an alert from the school about police activity on campus, but said they appreciated being notified as the situation changed throughout the day.
“I feel like the communication was great, really helpful,” Roberson said. “I mean, I didn't know exactly what was going on, but I knew something was happening.”
The student is expected to be in juvenile court on Thursday afternoon.
Police left the school around 10 a.m. Classes resumed as normal for the rest of the day.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.