Police: 1 in custody after police investigate report of weapon at West High School

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SALT LAKE CITY — One person is in custody after police investigated a report of a weapon at West High School Wednesday, authorities said.

The school put on lockdown shortly before noon, the Salt Lake City School District said on Twitter. A student reported seeing another student with a gun, the school district said.

“We were able to locate the individual and did recover a handgun from that individual,” said Salt Lake police detective Michael Ruff. “That individual is a juvenile, currently in custody, and at this time charges will be pending against them.”

In an email sent to parents, the school’s principal said police are still investigating any potential motive for bringing the weapon to school.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for students to say something when they see something,” said Principal Ford White in the email.

White urged parents to talk to their students about coming forward if they see anything suspicious. He also encouraged students and parents to download the SafeUT app that allows students to provide anonymous tips to school administrators.

The email was sent to KSL by a parent at the school. It also said counselors are available if students need to speak with them about the “scary situation.”