Sacramento Police investigate gun threat at Natomas High. / Photo: Marc Laver
BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Updated 11:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 2016
Police have arrested a Natomas High student who brought a loaded handgun onto campus this morning.
No students or school employees were injured during the Feb. 9 incident.
At 7:55 a.m. a student came to school with a loaded handgun, according to police Sgt. Bryce Heinlein.
While in a classroom with a teacher and classmates, the student pulled the 9mm firearm from a backpack, Heinlein said.
The student was described as being despondent and had started making threats, Heinlein said.
According to police, the remaining students in the classroom were safely exited the classroom while the teacher deescalated and defused the situation. The student reportedly handed the gun over to the teacher or principal who had entered the classroom, police said.
Sacramento Police received the call of a gun on campus at about 8:02 a.m. and were on scene by 8:07 a.m., Heinlein said. Officers took the student into custody upon their arrival without incident. The 15-year-old student was booked at the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall on charges of false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a loaded firearm on school campus.
In a voice message to Natomas High School families at 8:44 a.m., Natomas Unified School District spokesman Jom Sanders confirmed the incident.
“We want the community to know action by a teacher and principal defused the situation,” Sanders said.
The school was placed on lock down during the incident. The lock down has since been lifted, however Sacramento police officers remain on scene as part of their investigation.
Once the student was detained, police officers responded to his residence to conduct a welfare check of his family. All of his family were accounted for and safe.
Andrew Hicks, 38 / Photo: SacPD
Maria Hicks, 38 / Photo: SacPD
Sacramento Police detectives responded to the student’s house to assist with the investigation. A search warrant was served at the residence and several other firearms were located. The father of the student, 38-year-old Andrew Hicks and his mother, 38-year-old Maria Hicks were subsequently arrested and charged with child endangerment and possession of an assault weapon.
Natomas High School is located at 3301 Fong Ranch Road, near San Juan and Truxel roads. Questions about the incident can be directed to the school district at (916) 561-5253.
One student in custody after bringing loaded firearm to Natomas High this morning. /Photo: Marc Laver
Sounds like this was handled well by students, teacher and principal. Kudos to them. Hopefully the student can get some help now
Bravo to the the School principal (per SPD radio traffic) who was credited with disarming the student in the classroom and great cooperation by school staff. Student was armed with a 9mm Glock handgun. All SPD North Command units had been dispatched to the school shortly after 8:00 AM. North Area was still in Code 1 status 90 minutes into the call as officers continued investigations. Crimewatch hopes the unsung heroes in this incident, both school staff and SPD officers, are recognized for their professionalism and likely life-saving actions. Thanks also to Brandy Tuzon Boyd and THE NATOMAS BUZZ for being first with details.