The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a gun discovered earlier this month on the Aptos High School campus was in fact connected to a December incident. The statement released Wednesday afternoon said there’s no ongoing threat to the community.
The sheriff’s office said its investigation determined a backpack, a gun, ammunition and a ski mask found in the bushes near the school on Jan. 18 were related to an incident among multiple minors in late December.
On Dec. 28, during winter break, a group of juveniles assaulted another on the school campus, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said “firearms were present” but none were discharged. One minor was arrested.
Weeks later, Aptos resident Alex Perez was walking his dog on the campus when he came across the bag and reported it to the sheriff’s office. Parents and students at Aptos High were upset about the lack of information and updates from investigators.
“Based on the information gathered, the Sheriff’s Office has determined there is no ongoing threat to the community or school,” Wednesday’s release said. “The firearm, ammunition, and mask were not placed on campus as part of any pre-planned event targeting the school; rather, they were evidence discarded following the assault that occurred during winter break.”
The sheriff’s office added that no additional details will be released at this time as the incident involves minors and ongoing legal proceedings.
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