3 guns found in backpacks at 2 Tri-Cities high schools Tuesday. Students were arrested
At least three guns were seized Monday from the backpacks of two students at high schools in Richland and Kennewick.
A 14-year-old Kamiakin High School student was removed from class and arrested on suspicion of bringing two loaded handguns to school, said Kennewick police.
And a Hanford High School student was arrested earlier on investigation of having a handgun on the Richland school’s campus.
Tipsters in both incidents had notified school staff or security officers that the students may have weapons.
“This is a good reminder for all school aged children: If they see or hear something that could be a threat, they should report it to trusted adults so it can be safely investigated and addressed, keeping everyone safe,” said a release from Kennewick Commander Aaron Clem.
Just before 2 p.m., a Kamiakin school resource officer and security official removed a student from class after receiving reports he was possibly armed.
Officers found two handguns with loaded magazines during a search of his backpack, said the news release.
He was arrested and booked into the Benton Franklin Juvenile Justice Center in Kennewick on suspicion of possessing a dangerous weapon on school grounds and unlawful possession of a gun.
Clem said the student did not make any reported threats to any students or staff.
Earlier Tuesday morning, Hanford High School was locked down for a short time after Richland police received an anonymous tip about a student who was allegedly selling vapes, drugs and weapons on the campus, according to an email alert sent to parents.
After Hanford administrators were informed, a school resource officer and security personnel confronted the student, who arrived to campus late. A search revealed a gun in his backpack, and the student was arrested.
No other weapons or drugs were found, said the statement.
The lock down was lifted around 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday was the second day in the last two weeks that Tri-Cities police were tipped off that a student might have a weapon on campus.
Last week, on Nov. 20, police found a “very realistic” BB gun in a Richland High School student’s waistband after receiving a tip.
That student also was booked into the juvenile center on suspicion of possessing a dangerous weapon on school property and was expelled from school.
The names of all three students were not released by police and were not immediately available from the court.
Anyone with information about the incidents can call the police non-emergency number 509-628-0333 or send an anonymous tip online at www.kpdtips.com.
This story was originally published November 28, 2023 at 3:26 PM.
