Sheriff’s office investigating gun, mask found at Aptos High School

A bag with a gun and ammunition was found on the Aptos High School campus on Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies. 

The sheriff’s office and Pajaro Valley Unified School District wrote in a news release on Sunday afternoon that the bag, as well as a nearby mask, was found “earlier” that day and was reported “immediately.” 

The office launched a comprehensive search of the campus and surrounding areas using a bomb-detection K9 unit and bomb squad, per the release. The high school has about 1,500 students. 

The sheriff’s office is coordinating with multiple law enforcement and public safety agencies, which the release did not name, to increase staffing and “law enforcement presence” at high schools in Santa Cruz County this week, according to the release.

“We are taking every available precaution to maintain a safe environment while the investigation continues,” the release states.

The sheriff’s office updated a Facebook post with the news later on Sunday to inform community members that the investigation remains ongoing. 

“While there are no new details to share at this time, we understand how concerning this incident is for families, students, and school staff,” the update reads. “Please know that the safety of children at every school in Santa Cruz County remains our top priority, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.”

Reached by email on Monday afternoon, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Farotte said, “We will be pushing out additional information as we develop it.”