Yuma, AZ.- On Monday, November 6, 2023 at approximately 1:23 PM, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) responded to a report of a student in possession of a firearm on campus at Antelope Union High School.
The initial investigation revealed a teacher received information regarding a group of students being in possession of a firearm. Teachers then isolated the students in question and reported the incident to YCSO.
YCSO Deputies arrived on scene and teachers turned over the firearm. Deputies cleared the school premises and stayed on scene to further investigate.
During this time, no other immediate threats were identified and several interviews were conducted. During the course of the investigation, it was disclosed that a student had brought his parent’s firearm to school to scare off a bully. After regretting the decision to bring the firearm to school, he asked two other friends to assist in concealing it in their backpacks for him. All three juveniles involved were arrested on scene.
A 15-year-old male, 16-year-old female, and 16-year-old-male were booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center on Misconduct involving Weapons and Minors Prohibited from Possessing a Firearm.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend the students who reported this important information by telling a trusted adult what they knew. Thank you to the teachers for taking swift action after receiving the report.
It is important to speak to children to be observant and let an adult know if they see or hear something that makes them feel uncomfortable, nervous or frightened. See something, say something.
Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.