Chaos erupted at Redwood High School as police arrested a 17-year-old boy for allegedly toting a loaded handgun on campus, authorities said. The Redwood City Police Department reported the incident occurred on March 12, just as school routines were unfolding into the morning's educational embrace, at around 9 AM, when administrators, already on edge, contacted law enforcement with pressing worries about one of their students.
The student, who remained unnamed due to his minor status, had been set to attend a 9 AM meeting with his mother and school officials over attendance issues. However, what transpired evolved far beyond truancy concerns. According to Lieutenant Nick Perna of the Redwood City Police Department, officers arrived at the school and located the youth and his mother. What followed was refusal and resistance—a refusal to consent to a search, a desperate attempt to flee, a struggle where the teen eventually confessed to bearing arms. It was found, snugged against his waistband, a Glock 27 handgun with ammunition readily available, an additional magazine lying in wait upon his person, and in the ensuing scuffle, officers sustained minor injuries.
The situation led authorities to the juvenile's East Palo Alto residence, where a subsequent search unearthed more ammunition. The student now faces multiple felony charges and remains at the San Mateo County Youth Services Center, the details of his future unfolding in the hands of the justice system.
"The Redwood City Police Department strives to maintain positive relationships with our partners at the Sequoia Union School District and, in this particular instance, the management at Redwood High School," said Lt. Perna, whose department's quick response stands as a testament to the vigilance placed on the sanctity and security of the learning environment.
