This browser does not support the Video element.
Teen arrested after bringing gun to Kentwood High School
A teen who brought a gun to Kentwood High School forced a lockdown on Friday.
COVINGTON, Wash. - Kentwood High School in Covington was placed on lockdown for about 30 minutes on Friday after a student brought a gun to school.
Timeline:
FOX 13 Seattle reached out to the King County Sheriff’s Office after receiving an alert about a possible lockdown at the school. The email in response read:
"This is an active scene that is still being investigated. The most current update is that a person has been detained. I will provide an update later if and when that is possible."
At around 12:50 p.m., another KCSO Public Information Officer informed FOX 13 that a juvenile had been detained and booked for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Authorities say the school was on lockdown for about 30 minutes. No students or staff were harmed.
The KCSO says no additional updates are expected on Friday.
What we don't know:
The identity of the person detained by officers has not yet been released. It is unknown if they were a student enrolled at Kentwood High School.
The Kentwood High School principal sent a letter to parents following the incident:
"Dear Kentwood Community,
"The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Today, Friday, February 28, I’m writing to inform you about an incident that occurred on campus. Let me begin by saying that all students and staff are safe and remained safe throughout the event. The situation was handled swiftly, and we were able to return to our afternoon routine within an hour.
"At approximately 11:25 a.m., a lockdown was initiated due to a report of a weapon on campus. Local law enforcement and Kent Safety Services immediately responded, and a weapon was safely recovered. The lockdown was lifted at 11:55 a.m., and the school resumed an adjusted schedule to ensure students had access to lunch as well as their 5th and 6th period classes. Students began this adjusted schedule at 12:00 p.m. without incident. As a precautionary measure, local police will remained on campus for the remainder of the school day to ensure everyone’s safety and to provide additional support.
"We are incredibly proud of our students for reporting the information that led to a swift response. Their actions remind us of the importance of our "See Something, Say Something" expectation, and we encourage all students to continue to speak up whenever they notice something that could pose a concern. It is heartening to see our community come together to ensure our school remains a safe place for all. The collaboration and vigilance of our students, staff, law enforcement, and families help create the supportive and secure environment we all want for our Conquerors. Together, we are stronger, and together, we make Kentwood a place where students can learn and grow with confidence.
"Our administrative team will spend this afternoon and evening working with our law enforcement partners to review the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and we continue to cooperate with our law enforcement colleagues. While the investigation continues, we are unable to provide additional details, to protect the integrity of the investigation and to follow student privacy laws. I can share that our investigation, in partnership with local law enforcement, will continue and we will hold all students accountable for their actions in accordance with district disciplinary policy and Washington State law. Violence, threats of violence, and the presence of weapons in and around our schools are not in any way acceptable.
"We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling, and we are here to support our students and families. We encourage families to discuss what happened today. Our counselors will be available on Monday to assist any student who may need additional support. Students can visit the Counseling Office to connect with the counseling team. Families, please contact the Counseling Office as needed as well.
"I refuse to normalize what happened today. I continue to sincerely appreciate your care and concern, patience, and partnership as we navigate difficult situations together. Thank you for your continued teamwork to take every step necessary to provide a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me directly at Samantha.Ketover@kent.k12.wa.us.
"Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting the well-being of your child(ren).
Sincerely,
Dr. Samantha Ketover"
The Source: Information for this article came from the King County Sheriff's Office.
MORE TOP STORIES FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Gov. Ferguson details $4 billion in spending cuts to address WA deficit
Parents petition to remove WA substitute principal after past admissions of drug use
‘Oops I did a crime’: WA high school teacher charged with child porn
First WA measles case of 2025 confirmed in King County infant
3.2 magnitude earthquake rocks east King County, WA
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.