14-year-old in custody after allegedly bringing loaded gun to school

A 14-year-old boy is being held at Reimann Hall juvenile justice center in Tacoma after he allegedly brought a loaded gun to school.

Pierce County deputies were called to Spanaway Lake High School just before 9:30 a.m. Investigators said the gun fell from the teen’s waistband, and another student turned him in. The school immediately went into lockdown, and deputies arrived about three minutes later.

“While trying to apprehend him, they got into a struggle, and while they were struggling with the student, the firearm falls out of his waistband,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

Deputies said the gun was loaded with eight rounds, was unregistered, and was clean in terms of any history. Cappetto described the gun as untraceable as a ghost gun.

“We probably, likely will never know where that gun came from and how it came into the hands of this juvenile,” she explained. “The charges that are moving forward with this juvenile for this morning is unlawful possession of a firearm, obstruction, and resisting arrest.”

Pierce County sees uptick in gun violations at schools

Fortunately, no one was injured. But the problem of kids bringing guns to school, this year in Pierce County, is described as extremely concerning. There have been four such incidents so far this school year.

“This school year is the most gun violations we’ve ever dealt with,” Cappetto said.

One incident involved an 11-year-old middle school student. Even at such a young age, he was booked into secure detention.

Deputies encourage fellow students, school staff, and parents to say something if they see something. That happened in this case.

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