Yelm police officers responded to an incident at Ridgeline Middle School on Thursday, May 19 when a student was reported to be in possession of a firearm. The concern arose after students at Ridgeline reported the potential gun threat, stated a news release.

Officers arrived at the school and arrested a seventh grader who was in possession of an unloaded firearm, which was found in a case.

Yelm police are investigating how the student might have obtained the firearm. Ridgeline Middle School will follow RCW 9.41.280 and Yelm School Board policy when disciplining the student, stated the release.

Yelm Community Schools is assisting law enforcement in their investigation. The district will not share any details that could jeopardize the investigation, according to Teri Pablo with Yelm Community Schools.

“We want to commend our students for stepping forward and reporting this concern to school staff. We want to remind students, staff and families about the importance of reporting any information that may threaten another person’s safety,” Pablo stated in an email to families. “Please notify a trusted adult, school administrator, STOP !T, or Crimestoppers. We take the safety and security of our students and staff seriously.”