Two students arrested on suspicion of bringing BB gun to East County school

SPRING VALLEY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Two students suspected of bringing a replica firearm (BB gun) to a magnet school in Spring Valley were arrested Tuesday.

Around 11:30 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a student with a possible firearm at STEAM Academy, located in the 1000 block of Leland Street, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

School officials placed the school on "secured campus status," meaning students and staff are kept indoors while classroom instruction can continue as long as doors are locked, authorities said.

Deputies were able to find a black metal BB gun in a backpack of one of the several students who had been observed with a potential firearm.

Ultimately, two students were arrested on suspicion of possessing a weapon on school grounds, and the secure campus status was lifted a short time later, per SDSO.

The identities of the students will not be released due to the sheriff's office policy with minors.

There is no outstanding threat to the school or community at this time.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station at 619-660-7090.

SDSO also reminds students they can call the anonymous Crime Stoppers Student Speaking Out Tip Line at 888-580-8477 or the Sheriff's Office at 858-868-3200 if they hear any threats of violence or even potential violence.