23 February 2024
OLATHE, Kan. (WDAF) — Olathe police are investigating after a 16-year-old student with a gun in their backpack got into a fight with a school resource officer and administrators Friday at Olathe Northwest High School.
Olathe Northwest Principal Chris Zuck sent a letter to parents Friday afternoon detailing the incident that happened at lunch that day.
Zuck said administrators learned from a student that another student might have a weapon in their backpack. A school resource officer went to remove the student from the cafeteria, per the district’s protocols.
The principal said there was an altercation between the student, the resource officer and school administrators. The student was eventually detained and separated from the backpack. The officer also requested additional police backup.
After investigating further, officials confirmed the student did have a gun in their bag.
Zuck stressed the student did not use the gun, and there was no threat to Olathe Northwest. The school said no nearby students or staff were involved or injured.
“Our top priority is always the safety of our students and staff,” Zuck said in his letter. “We’d like to thank the Olathe Police Department for their help with this situation and our student who reported a concern to our staff members.”
The principal said there will be an increased police presence for the remainder of Friday while officers investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at 913-971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.