Two juveniles arrested after report of firearm at Mesa Ridge High School

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) said there were reports of "multiple students" with possession of a firearm at Mesa Ridge High School on Friday. The sheriff's office says two juveniles are in custody and face the following charges:

• Interference with staff, faculty, or students of educational institutions
• Possession of a handgun by a juvenile
• Unlawful conduct on public property
• and Unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds

The sheriff's office says that due to changes in the law with Senate Bill 24-131, these charges are misdemeanors.

According to the school, two things were found and confiscated: one was an airsoft gun, the other was a handgun. We have reached out to the sheriff's office for more information on why both students were charged with possession of a handgun.

The sheriff's office says a weapon was not fired; No injuries were reported.

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says that they found no indication of a plan to harm students or faculty at the school.

"We understand how scary this situation is for our students, staff, and families, especially given the recent tragedy at Evergreen High School," said a spokesperson with Widefield School District 3. "We want to assure our community that we take matters of safety and security very seriously. Our priority is to keep students and staff safe while at school."

The sheriff's office says that after the incident, some unsubstantiated reports were made, but those were deemed to be unfounded.

“When individuals choose to make threats—whether real or false—they jeopardize the sense of security within our schools and create unnecessary fear in our community. These actions will not be tolerated. My Office is fully committed to holding accountable anyone who seeks to disrupt the peace and security of our classrooms," said Sheriff Joseph Roybal in a press release.

After the tragic shooting at Evergreen High School this week, parents say they aren't taking any chances, and many lined up outside the school to pick up their student following the incident.

One student says she's happy no one was hurt, but during the incident, she didn't know what was going on.

"I start crying. I'm texting my mom, Hey, I love you. I text my dad, Hey, I love you. I texted all my friends, Hey, I love you because I have no idea what's going on, if it's actually getting shot up or if it's going to be my last moment," said Jazmyn Garner, a freshman at Mesa Ridge High School.

EPSO says the school sent out the following information to parents:

"Dear Mesa Ridge High School Families, 

Today, at approximately 9:14 a.m., school administration was made aware of possible guns on campus. All staff and students are safe. Our school resource officer along with our safety and security team took immediate action. Two guns* were found and confiscated. One was an airsoft pistol* and the other a handgun*. Again, everyone is safe and no one was harmed. 

We understand how scary this situation is for our students, staff, and families, especially given the recent tragedy at Evergreen High School. We want to assure our community that we take matters of safety and security very seriously. Our priority is to keep students and staff safe while at school. 

As a reminder, weapons and facsimiles are not allowed on school property. We will have school counselors available as needed. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions."

-Joshua Trahan, Principal

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