Kent Police recently arrested a 14-year-old male student at Kent Laboratory Academy for possession of an airsoft gun and later for harassment after he reportedly made a social media threat about the school.
Officers responded at about 12:09 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 to the academy, 10515 SE 208th St., after a student reported a fellow student may be in possession of a gun, according to an Oct. 18 Kent Police email to the Kent Reporter from Deputy Chief Matt Stansfield.
Officers discovered the boy had an airsoft gun that resembled a Glock pistol, according to police. It is illegal under state law for a student to possess a weapon on school property. An airsoft gun can shoot BBs.
Stansfield said that the student was arrested, but not booked as King County juvenile detention in Seattle said they would not hold him. Officers have to take a myriad of factors into consideration when deciding to book juvenile offenders, according to police.
Officers released the boy to a guardian, Stansfield said.
Later on Oct. 14, the boy allegedly posted a threatening message about the school on social media, which led to an additional charge of harassment, Stansfield said. He added that it is ultimately up to the Kent School District to determine what they will do with the information.
According to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website, there have been a number of recent cases where students have faced serious disciplinary action for possessing airsoft and other look-alike weapons on campus. School districts do not release publically what disciplinary actions they take against a specific student because of privacy laws. But districts are required by federal and state laws to report all incidents with weapons on school premises to the state.
Kent Laboratory Academy Principal Stephanie Knipp sent an email Oct. 14 to her school’s parents and community about the incident.
Knipp said police responded to the airsoft weapon report and the situation was resolved quickly with all students and staff remaining safe throughout the incident.
“We understand how distressing reports like this can be for our families, students, staff and the broader community,” Knipp said. “Your child’s safety is our top priority and we are committed to ensuring that every precaution is taken to keep our schools secure.”
Knipp shared ways staff can work together with parents and students to keep schools safe:
• Talk to your children about the consequences of making threats or bringing weapons to school. Let them know that school safety is a community effort and words or actions that appear threatening have serious repercussions.
• Encourage open communication. If your child is feeling anxious, upset or overwhelmed, urge them to seek support from you or a trusted staff member.
• Report concerning behavior. If they see something, they should say something to an adult they trust.
Knipp said she was aware of a social media post that began circulation after school dismissal on Oct. 14.
“Local law enforcement and Kent Safety Services have been alerted and appropriate follow-up action has been taken,” Knipp said.
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