Three sixth grade students in Orange County were detained in connection with the alleged possession of a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition on campus premises, authorities announced.
The May 12 incident unfolded at Vista View Middle School in Fountain Valley, according to a news release posted by the police department on social media.
Fountain Valley police responded to the school on reports of a student possibly in possession of a gun and detained the three middle schoolers.
“A search of their backpacks led to the discovery of a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition,” officials said.
Two of the students were arrested, according to reporting from the O.C. Register, and booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall. The third student was taken to a nearby hospital for suspected mental health issues.
The preliminary investigation, according to police, does not indicate that the three intended an active shooting incident and there is no ongoing threat to campus safety.
In a statement, Patricia Singer, the board president of Ocean View School District, said administrators were told a student may have been in possession of a firearm shortly before the end of the school day and that police were immediately called, The Register reported.
The investigation reportedly took place after school hours when students had already left and the involved students are no longer on campus and the district “is pursuing disciplinary action according to the California Education Code, up to and including expulsion,” Singer added.
“Out of an abundance of caution, FVPD will maintain an increased presence at the school in the coming days to ensure the continued safety of students, staff and families,” officials said.
The identities of the three juveniles were not released per state law. It is unclear how the student came into possession of the firearm.
