Two juveniles were taken into custody Monday after police say they were found on the campus of Highland High School in Salt Lake City with a firearm and ammunition, following reports of suspicious activity in nearby Sugar House Park.
According to Sgt. Miles Southworth of the Salt Lake City Police Department, officers responded to reports of possible shots fired in the park. While investigators have not confirmed whether any shots were actually fired, the incident prompted heightened caution.
The school briefly went into “secure status” for about 20 minutes, meaning school activities continued indoors, but no one was allowed to enter or exit the building. The Salt Lake City School District confirmed this was done out of precaution while police worked to locate the individuals involved.
Police say they later received a tip that the two juveniles seen in the park had entered the school and were inside a bathroom. Officers located the individuals after the school day ended and took them into custody without further incident.
Sgt. Greg Wilking said one minor was found in possession of a firearm, while the second had ammunition. Both were booked into juvenile detention on suspicion of possession of a weapon by a restricted person.
No injuries were reported, and police are continuing to investigate whether gunshots were actually fired near the park.
Because the suspects are minors, their identities are not being released.