UPDATE: FRIDAY 9/12/2025 2:50 p.m.
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KXRM) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said two minors were arrested on the scene after deputies got reports of “multiple students” on school property who were in possession of a firearm.
The on-site School Resource Office (SRO) responded and found a student in possession of a handgun. Soon after, the SRO found the other student associated with the incident and detained both students.
EPSO said during the incident, there were several unsubstantiated reports of other students at the school. Deputies investigated with the help of K9 Jack, all of which were found to be untrue.
The two minors were booked into a juvenile detention center and are facing charges of:
- Interference with staff, faculty, or students of educational institutions
- Possession of a handgun by a juvenile
- Unlawful conduct on public property
- Unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds
“School safety is a top priority for my Office, and our commitment toward this mission extends far beyond the dedication of our dedicated School Resource Officers,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “It is at the forefront of every law enforcement professional’s mind, because the safety of our children, teachers, and staff must never be taken for granted. School safety is an all-hands-on-deck approach, requiring coordination, vigilance, and accountability from everyone involved.”
FRIDAY 9/12/2025 11:09 a.m.
All students and staff are safe after an airsoft pistol and a handgun were found at Mesa Ridge High School in Security-Widefield on Friday morning, Sept. 12.
According to Samantha Briggs, Director of Communications for Widefield School District 3 (WSD3), just before 9:15 a.m. on Friday, administration at Mesa Ridge High School was made aware of possible guns on campus.
“Our school resource officer, along with our safety and security team, took immediate action. Two firearms were found and confiscated,” according to a message sent to families of students at Mesa Ridge High School on Friday. “One was an airsoft pistol and the other a handgun.”
The district assured that all staff and students are safe and no one was harmed.
“We understand how scary this situation is for our students, staff, and families, especially given the recent tragedy at Evergreen High School,” read the message. “We want to assure our community that we take matters of safety and security very seriously. Our priority is to keep students and staff safe while at school.”
According to the district, school counselors will be available as needed.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), the investigation is ongoing, and deputies will provide more information on the incident later on Friday.
“No students or staff were harmed during the incident, and EPSO deputies are on scene. We will give you an update when appropriate,” according to an EPSO news release.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
