Federal Way High School and Todd Beamer High School both went into lockdown for a short time Monday after reports that a student at Federal Way High School had a gun on campus.
According to Federal Way police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock, Federal Way High School went into lockdown at around 11:45 a.m. after it was reported, at 11:36 a.m., that a 16-year-old male student revealed a weapon to another student in a non-threatening way. The witness reported the weapon to school administration, and multiple police officers searched the school for the student.
“Several minutes into the incident, it was determined the suspect had left Federal Way High School,” Schrock wrote in an email. “As a precaution, Todd Beamer also went into lock down.”
An officer eventually found the weapon and the student at his residence in Federal Way. The officer determined the weapon was stolen.
The student was arrested and booked into King County Juvenile Detention. Police will recommend he be charged with bringing a dangerous weapon on a school campus.
The internal lockdown at Federal Way High School was lifted at 12:30 p.m., about two minutes after Todd Beamer High School began their lockdown. Federal Way Public School district officials described the security measures as “brief” and “based on the advice of Federal Way police.”
Principals from both schools sent a letter to parents describing the lockdown.
“Federal Way police department and district security personnel responded immediately to the school,” wrote Todd Beamer High School Principal Joni Hall. “Students and staff were safe at all times during the lock down. Doors were locked until we received clearance from local law enforcement to release the school from lock down.”
The letter from Federal Way High School Principal Dr. Matt Oberst was similar.
“At Federal Way High School, our goal is to create a safe environment where all children feel comfortable and welcome, and where they can concentrate on learning,” Oberst wrote. “While we understand events such as these are upsetting, today’s incident highlights the importance of our district’s partnership with the Federal Way Police Department in school safety planning, and preparing our staff and students to respond to potential threats.”
Oberst applauded the students who reported the gun on campus and said they “did exactly as they should do in reporting a possible threat so school officials and law enforcement could take immediate action.”
Students, staff and the community are encouraged to call or text the Safe Schools Tip-Line at 253-945-SAFE (7233) at any time, day or night, if students or staff members’ safety is in question.
