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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police arrested two students who are accused of bringing loaded firearms to Highland High School while classes were in session on Monday.
Highland High School security alerted a school resource officer about a suspicious car parked on school property, 2166 S. 1700 East, about 1 p.m. The officer saw three people inside the parked car and worked with school officials to approach the vehicle, Salt Lake City police said in a news release.
Police said all three students tried leaving, and two students — who are registered at Highland High School — entered the school and then tried to exit quickly.
The school resource officer called for backup and then safely detained both students after "a short struggle," police said. Officers said they discovered the students were in possession of loaded guns, one of which was listed as stolen.
The two students were arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center.
Additional officers searched for the third student, who they said had run away from the traffic stop. Police said the student — who is registered at East High School — was later found and released to a legal guardian.
How the students accessed the firearms and what they intended to do with them is unknown, police said, and the investigation is ongoing.
Salt Lake City School District spokeswoman Yándary Chatwin said the school was placed "on hold" for about 10 minutes during the incident, which means students stayed in their classrooms and hallways were kept clear for police.
School is still in session in the Salt Lake City School District until summer break begins Friday.
