Waukesha police: Boy with gun arrested near North High School
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Waukesha police arrested a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly armed with a rifle near Waukesha North High School on Friday, April 14.
Shortly before 1 p.m., police said the boy was seen with the rifle in the backyard of a home on Greenmeadow Drive, a block from the high school.
"I guess some of the children actually saw the kid, a young man, I don’t how old, with a big long rifle," said Dianna Warchol, whose son attends Waukesha North High School.
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Police deployed a "significant" presence to safeguard area schools and, once they were secured, searched for the boy. He was found a short time later in a backyard armed with the rifle.
"The school’s right there. Do you know how many people could’ve been hurt? So thank god to whoever told the truth and said where this kid was so nobody did get hurt," Warchol said.
Waukesha North High School
After talking with the boy, police said he peacefully surrendered to officers and was taken into custody without further incident. The gun was recovered.
Students said what could've happened – and has happened at other schools – keeps them on high alert.
"It could’ve been a lot worse," said Tucker McGrath.
"It’s just all like crazy. In any moment he could’ve actually came in," Abigail Cortes said.
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In a media release, the police department said the response was "a true testament" to the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s SPEAK UP SPEAK OUT program. Students saw something and said something; as a result, police said, they helped safeguard the community.
"I think they were really brave to do that," Cortes said.
Police said the earliest the 17-year-old may be charged or identified is Monday.
FOX6 News acquired a letter the School District of Waukesha to families. In addition to North High School, the district said Butler Middle, Hawthorne Elementary, Lowell Elementary and Summit View Elementary were placed on secure hold. Those holds were lifted at 1:45 p.m.
Waukesha Police Department
Per the district, a secure hold includes "not allowing students, staff, parents, or other visitors to enter or exit the building during that time. Classes continued as usual, and hallway traffic was cleared."
"These teachers were telling everyone to go to class hurrying them," said Cortes.
"They didn’t scare us, they didn’t talk to us, just kept teaching. I felt like it would’ve been a lot worse if they did stop anything," McGrath said. "It definitely makes it harder to learn because you’re more focused on your wellbeing than actually comprehending knowledge."
The letter also added, in part:
"We appreciate the cooperation and diligence of all students and staff in ensuring the best possible outcomes for all involved. The safety and security of students and staff is our top priority."