Edmonds high school student arrested for bringing ‘ghost gun’ to school

The Edmonds Police Department (EPD) is thanking the vigilance of one student who spoke up when a fellow 15-year-old student brought a loaded gun to class at Edmonds-Woodway High School on Thursday.

“This incident is a wonderful example of something that could have gone terribly wrong (and) was actually prevented,” said Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson, praising the student who alerted school staff.

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— Edmonds Police Department (@EdmondsPolice) September 29, 2022

About half an hour before school let out Thursday, police said they were called by the principal and told of the possible threat. Edmonds police responded and coordinated with staff to find out where the student in question was and then headed to the classroom.

While police made their way, the school says it paged every teacher in the building over the intercom and asked them to keep everyone in their classes. Officers entered the room and apprehended the 15-year-old, who they say was armed with what is called a 40 caliber “ghost gun” – a weapon with its serial number scratched off to remain untraceable.

“We’re trying to figure out where this gun came from for this incident,” Sergeant Josh McClure with EPD said in a press conference. “In terms of overall trends, it’s not something that we’re seeing every day, but right now our focus is here on this issue.”

After the incident, Edmonds-Woodway High School sent a letter to parents explaining what happened and reassured them that the threat to students had been handled by the police.

“We are very grateful no one was hurt in this incident. Tomorrow our counselors will be available for students, and police will provide additional presence on campus,” the letter said. “Our school safety system works best when people who see something say something, which is how we were alerted in this instance. Please talk with your students about the seriousness of weapons, both on and off campus and support us in continuing to emphasize the importance of reporting safety concerns.”

Authorities haven’t said how the student obtained the firearm, but they are investigating.

22 minutes passed from the time police were called until the student was arrested, EPD said.

Officials said they are thankful no one was injured.

The 15-year-old was booked into the Denny Juvenile Detention Center on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm on school grounds, being a minor with a gun, and having a gun with an altered serial number.

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