Student arrested after gun, narcotics found in car at Tumwater high school

A Tumwater high school student, accused of possessing various narcotics, a firearm, and selling e-cigarettes at school, was arrested on Thursday.

A school resource officer (SRO) was called by school administrators at Black Hills High School and responded to investigate, the Tumwater Police Department (TPD) reported.

It was alleged that the student had drugs and a gun in his car, and also had reportedly sold e-cigarettes to students in the parking lot.

The SRO determined the student did not have a gun or drugs in his possession inside the building.

SRO seizes firearm, cash, drugs during parking lot search

With consent from the owner, the school officer searched the student’s car in the parking lot. During the search, he seized a firearm, cash, vape products, and narcotics.

“They recovered a lot of paraphernalia, vapes, some narcotics, cash, and a firearm,” Tumwater Police Lieutenant Jen Kolb told KIRO Newsradio.

The suspect was arrested and booked into the Thurston County Youth Services.

“The student was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, as well as illegal possession of a firearm,” Kolb said.

TPD noted that additional charges will be referred to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office once the investigation is completed.

Police determined that no students or staff were threatened with the weapon, and it was not displayed while the student was on campus.

“We appreciate the swift response by the Tumwater School District, and the collaboration to come to a quick resolution,” TPD stated.

Contributing: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio

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