A Malibu High School (MHS) student was taken into police custody the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 9, after a firearm was found in his vehicle parked on school grounds.
According to sheriffs and school officials, there was no threat of danger to students in connection to the firearm, which was discovered in a school parking lot.
MHS parents received an email message from Principal Brandon Gallagher later that day, explaining what happened.
“There was a report of a concern regarding a student at Malibu High School who may have had a firearm in a vehicle used to drive to school,” read the message sent by Gallagher. “School officials followed up on this information and did discover a firearm in a student vehicle parked at Malibu High School. Law enforcement was immediately notified of the situation. Officers from the Lost Hills Sherriff’s [sic] office responded and removed the student from the campus.”
The student was immediately suspended from school and will be facing an expulsion hearing in the near future.
Sgt. Matthew Dunn, a detective at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, confirmed a student was detained by deputies on Wednesday.
When asked whether there was an ongoing criminal investigation as of Tuesday, Dec. 15, Dunn said that there was.
“They’re still looking into it, yes,” Dunn said.
There was no threat associated with the possession of the firearm, which Dunn confirmed was a disassembled shotgun.
“There was a shotgun that was dismantled inside the vehicle that [the suspect] drove to school,” Dunn said.
“It was in the afternoon, toward the close of the school day, but it was still in session,” Dunn described. “Another student informed the high school administration who, in turn, called us, and a dismantled shotgun was recovered from the student’s vehicle.
“We have no indication of any threats or any violence.”
The student, who is a minor, has not been named, but is no longer being detained by law enforcement.
“He was released back into the custody of his parents,” Dunn said.
Under the “mandatory suspension/expulsion” section of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) handbook, “possessing … a firearm” is grounds for immediate suspension.
“The principal or superintendent of schools shall immediately suspend … and shall recommend expulsion of a pupil that he or she determines has committed any of the following acts at school or at a school activity off school grounds: Possessing, selling or otherwise furnishing a firearm.”
Other infractions in that category include: brandishing a knife at another person, unlawfully selling a controlled substance, committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault and possession of an explosive.
The handbook, which is updated every year, must be signed by parents or legal guardians of any students attending SMMUSD schools and the signature must be returned in order for students to be enrolled.
“By signing below … I am merely indicating that I have received and read the booklet with notices regarding my rights relating to activities which might affect my child(ren),” the handbook reads.
“Our Board of Education, Superintendent Lyon and all staff hold the safety of our students as our top priority,” read a short statement provided by SMMUSD spokesperson Gail Pinsker.
Gallagher’s letter includes that he was planning to address the issue with his own children, who are MHS students.
“I will be talking to my own children tonight about safety and security as a family. I encourage all of our community members to please talk to your children as well,” Gallagher wrote.
Pinsker wrote that in addition, school counselors are ready to speak to students who are uneasy about the existence of a gun at their school.
“Our counselors are always available to support our students with any concern and students and parents are reminded of this throughout the year,” Pinsker stated.