2 Students Arrested For Bringing Replica Gun To East County School: Sheriff's Office

SPRING VALLEY, CA — Two students were arrested on suspicion of bringing a replica firearm to an East County magnet school, authorities said.

Deputies received a report of a student with a possible firearm shortly after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at STEAM Academy at 1001 Leland St. in Spring Valley, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

School administrators immediately placed the school on secure campus status, keeping students and staff indoors with doors locked, sheriff's Sgt. Matthew Moser said.

"While this was happening, sheriff's deputies contacted several students who had been observed with the potential firearm," Moser said. "A search of the students and their backpacks revealed a black metal BB gun in a backpack belonging to one of them."

Two students were arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon on school grounds. Their names were not released because they are minors.

Secure campus status was lifted shortly thereafter, Moser said.

"The sheriff's office and local school districts take every threat seriously, and nothing can be dismissed or ignored," Moser said. "We want to remind students that if they hear any threats of violence or even potential violence, they can always approach our school resource deputies."

Students can also call the anonymous Crime Stoppers Student Speaking Out Tip Line at 888-580-8477 or the sheriff's office at 858-868-3200.