Knife-wielding student prompted Chehalis school's modified lockdown, officials report

May 1-The Chehalis School District and Chehalis Police Department on Wednesday clarified circumstances that led to W.F. West High School's modified lockdown earlier that day.

The modified lockdown, which began at 11:48 a.m. Wednesday, was initiated after a "student altercation," the Chehalis School District had said in its initial statement.

The lockdown lasted until noon.

In a second statement released about two and a half hours after the incident, the district said the lockdown occurred "during 6th period when an angry student threatened another student with a knife."

"Nearby staff and students as well as a Chehalis Police Department officer, who was on campus for an unrelated reason, restrained the student," the district said. "Students in the affected classroom were immediately removed to another location and additional Chehalis Police Department officers arrived on scene and remained on campus through the incident."

The district said an investigation is "currently underway," and added that witnesses had already provided written statements.

"We commend the students and staff who responded to this incident for following safety protocols, which ensured everyone remained safe and accounted for," the district said. "We also extend our gratitude to the Chehalis Police Department for their immediate response and assistance in bringing this situation to a swift resolution."

In its own statement, the Chehalis Police Department said the responding officer was on campus speaking with students when he was notified of a "disturbance in a classroom."

"During the investigation, officers learned that a 17-year-old male student from the Chehalis area had armed himself with a knife during a dispute with another student," the department said. "Several students and staff members were able to disarm the student and restrain him until officers arrived."

Police booked the suspect into the Lewis County Juvenile Detention Center for alleged first-degree assault. The department said two students "sustained minor injuries."

"The Chehalis Police Department commends the quick actions of school staff and students, whose response helped safely resolve the situation and prevent further injury," the department said.

According to the district, high school students were dismissed at their regular time of 12:40 p.m.

"Counselors and support staff are available on campus for any students who may need additional support," the district said Wednesday.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 11:18 AM.