Juvenile Arrested After Bringing Firearm to School
This morning, September 16, 2026, at approximately 11:00am, the Petaluma Police Department received a report from staff at Casa Grande High School regarding a student who was suspected of bringing a firearm onto campus.
Upon receiving the report, school staff initiated a ‘secure hold' procedure as a precautionary safety measure. Petaluma Police Department officers immediately responded to the campus and worked closely with school staff to identify and locate the student.
Officers contacted the student and safely detained her without incident. During the investigation, officers located a firearm inside the student's backpack. The firearm was not loaded, and no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.
Following the student’s detention and recovery of the firearm, officers worked with school staff to ensure there were no additional immediate safety concerns on campus. At approximately 11:35 a.m., just 35 minutes after the initial report was received, normal school operations were able to resume.
The juvenile suspect was taken into custody and subsequently booked into Juvenile Hall on suspected violations related to a juvenile possessing a firearm and possession of a firearm on school grounds, including:
- 29610(a) PC – Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- 626.9 PC – Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds
The investigation remains ongoing as Petaluma Police Department investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the student came into possession of the firearm and whether any additional individuals were involved.
Because the suspect is a juvenile and the investigation remains active, no additional information is being released at this time.
The Petaluma Police Department recognizes the concern and uncertainty an incident involving a firearm on a school campus can cause for students, families, staff, and the broader community. We take any report involving a weapon on a school campus seriously and prioritize an immediate response to ensure the safety of students and staff. In this case, the prompt reporting by school staff and coordination with responding officers allowed the student to be quickly located, detained, and the firearm safely recovered. We encourage students, families, and school staff to continue reporting concerning or suspicious behavior as soon as possible. Even when information is incomplete, timely reporting allows school officials and law enforcement to assess potential safety concerns and respond appropriately.
For additional information on campus procedures and notifications, please refer to Petaluma City Schools https://petalumacityschools.org/
