2 Students Arrested For Gun At South Bay High School

MILPITAS, CA – Two students were arrested for allegedly bringing a gun to Milpitas High School, an incident that on Thursday led to lockdowns at three schools, police said.

The suspects are both 14-year-old males and Milpitas residents, according to the Milpitas Police Department.

Shortly after 12 noon Thursday, staff at the high school on Escuela Parkway were told by students that a classmate was in a bathroom with a handgun, police said. School security went to the bathroom, found the teen, who reportedly was in possession of an unloaded handgun with a loaded magazine in his nearby backpack, police said.

The school resource officer took the teen into custody without incident, police said, adding that Milpitas High, and nearby Pomeroy Elementary and Russell Middle schools, sheltered in place as officers searched the campus. After the search, the lockdown was lifted. However at about 2:15 p.m., additional students said they believed a different 14-year-old male classmate also was in possession of a weapon, although they did not see one.

The high school again was locked down as a search was conducted for the second student, who later was determined to be off-campus and was located at a residence and without a weapon.

Investigators determined that one of the suspects purportedly brought the gun to school a few days ago and gave it to the second suspect "to hold for him," police said. "The handgun reported in both incidents was the same handgun, which was recovered in the bathroom."

Both teens were booked into the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall for on suspicion of having a firearm on school grounds and carrying a concealed weapon.

The Milpitas Police Department commended the students who came forward and reported the incident.

"Immediately reporting crimes helps aid with successful and safe outcomes," the agency said.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation can call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400, or to remain anonymous, call the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or use the Milpitas Police Department website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip .

• ALSO SEE: Local Police Agency Issues Weapons-Safety Reminder For Parents. The bulletin comes days after an East Bay dad was arrested when his 8-year-old took a loaded gun to school. A must-read for all moms & dads.

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