Lebanon Local
Three juveniles, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years old, were taken into custody without incident in connection with a report of a student with a gun at Lebanon High School on May 18.
The mother of the student who was alleged to have the gun, who the police are calling a person of interest, brought him to the Lebanon Police Department. The mother and the juvenile cooperated.
LPD’s investigation revealed that three juveniles were in possession of a single gun, which they passed among themselves while inside the school, according to the news release.
The unloaded handgun was found at a residence inside of the city limits of Lebanon.
The handgun had been reported to be stolen on May 13.
With the cooperation of witnesses, persons of interest and their parents, they are currently in protective custody for the following charges: possession of firearm or dangerous weapon in public building or court facility, first-degree theft, first-degree disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of a firearm and hindering prosecution, according to an LPD news release.
This is an active investigation and additional charges may follow.
LPD did not release the names or ages of the juveniles.
LPD will be working with the Linn County Juvenile Department and the Linn County District Attorney’s Office.
Lockdown
At 9:44 a.m. LPD received a call from a parent that an LHS student saw another student with what appeared to be a handgun at LHS.
“We had a credible threat of a gun on campus,” said Lebanon Community School District Superintendent Rob Hess. “The high school went into lockdown, meaning (we thought) the intruder was inside. We didn’t know if it was a rumor or gossip.”
The student left the school before LPD arrived.
When there “was evidence” that the student had left LHS, the other schools in town were put on lockout, Hess said.
Parents filled out forms to establish their connection to their child and lined up outside the front of LHS to pick them up.
“No one gets released unless we have parent contact,” Hess said.
Students who were 18 years old were able to sign themselves out.
Waiting students were fed lunch in the cafeteria.
Fifth Street was closed between Airport Road and F Street.
LPD responded with assistance from the Oregon State Police, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sweet Home Police Department.
There have been no reports of shots fired or injuries, according to an LPD news release.
Photos by Audrey Caro