Four students were arrested at William Hart High School in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Sept. 8 after police allegedly located a firearm on one of the students, officials said.
After receiving an anonymous tip of a social media post depicting a Hart High School student allegedly in possession of a firearm, the school immediately began the investigation with the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s department to ensure the safety of all students, principal Jason d’Autremont told the Santa Clarita Signal.
Police quickly located the weapon and arrested four students—two males and two females.
Three of the four students have been sent to juvenile hall in Sylmar and one was cited and released.
“The three that were taken to juvenile hall should see a judge today, and he will make a housing determination whether or not they are going to keep them longer, or whether they will release them on some kind of home monitoring program to their parents,” a Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department spokesperson told The Epoch Times.
The anonymous tip was received as a text through the Student Care Line provided by the William Hart Union High School District, which encourages the public to utilize the service if anyone sees or hears anything that may endanger the safety of others.
“We also are so thankful to the Hart High School administrators, campus supervisors and the school resource officer Deputy Javier Guzman for their quick, professional work. This situation was resolved shortly after getting the tip on the Student Care Line.”
An unloaded black semi-automatic handgun and ammunition were found among the four arrested students, the department spokesperson said, adding that they passed the gun around throughout the day.
In addition to being in possession of a weapon, one student was also on suspicion of vandalism, the department spokesperson said.
On the same day, a Buena Park High School student was also arrested for allegedly carrying a firearm on campus after a school employee alerted the police.
A loaded handgun was located in the student’s pant pocket after a quick struggle, Buena Park police said in a statement.
The student has been taken to juvenile hall. Police are still investigating the student’s motive for bringing the gun to school.
