ROY — A Roy High School student was booked into the Weber Valley Detention Center on Tuesday after they were found to be in possession of a loaded firearm near school property, authorities say.

It was the latest in what has become a series of gun-related incidents involving students at the school.

Per a release from the Roy City Police Department, officers responded to the area of 2025 W. 4800 South just before 9 a.m. Tuesday following a report that a group of juvenile males had been flashing “gang signs” at passing vehicles.

According to the police statement, one motorist stopped to inquire about what the group was doing when one of the juveniles reportedly displayed a handgun, prompting a 911 call from the motorist.

Lockout status protocol was subsequently activated at the school due to the close proximity of the developing situation. Three Roy officers were on location at the school when the report was made.

Officers ultimately located four juveniles — all of whom were Roy High students — in a neighborhood just east of the school, per the release. The juveniles reportedly ran west toward the school, but were apprehended before getting onto school property.

Per the police statement, one of the juveniles was found to be in possession of a handgun and all four in the group were taken into custody for questioning. It was noted that the four will face charges in the 2nd District Juvenile Court, including gun-related charges for the male who had been in possession of the firearm.

It was further noted that investigations into the multiple recent gun-related incidents at Roy High have yielded no evidence that students were carrying guns due to “bullying.” The release stated that the latest incident is “believed to be gang-related.”

Roy police spokesperson Stuart Hackworth indicated to the Standard-Examiner that no other information is available at this time because the investigation is ongoing.

This marks the fourth time that a Roy High student has been found in possession of a firearm this month. Previous incidents occurred April 11, 24 and 25.

The Weber School District acknowledged the latest incident in a statement Tuesday afternoon, noting that work already was underway on numerous safety and security upgrades at Roy High, including:

• The installation of a single-point entry with a secure vestibule.
• Enhancement of the building’s communication system and the providing of security alert devices to teachers.
• Implementation of a threat assessment program and a team to address any potential threats to school safety.

“None of these cases are related nor do they involve any threats, but it is very concerning behavior. We are not aware of any specific issues within the school. The possession of a firearm is strictly prohibited on school property,” the statement read.

“We are currently working with district and law enforcement officials to address this issue. We have contracted with the Roy Police Department for extra officers who will be assigned to the school for the reminder of the year. We are placing special emphasis on the security of our parking lots and surrounding areas in an effort to prevent problems.”

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