Loaded gun and drugs found in backpack in Kamiakin High classroom

A 15-year-old student left a backpack with a gun and drugs in a Kamiakin High School classroom on Tuesday.

A teacher discovered the bag and called security, according to a notice sent to Kamiakin High School parents. The security officer noticed the smell of marijuana from the bag, and some drugs and a pistol were found inside.

Police were called and, when an officer searched, they discovered the gun was loaded.

The student was found in another classroom but tried to run from officers. He was caught and booked into the Benton-Franklin Juvenile Detention Center.

He also was emergency expelled by school officials.

“We want to thank our partners at the Kennewick Police Department for their quick action and our staff members who followed safety protocols in this situation,” the district letter said. “We are grateful that our students and staff are safe.”