Guam – At approximately 12:50 p.m. Thursday, school authorities initiated a lockdown procedure at Southern High School following a vehicle break-in. According to reports, a firearm with ammunition was taken from the car.
The Guam Police Department immediately responded on site. At around 1:44 p.m., authorities issued an all-clear on the incident. According to the Guam Department of Education, the firearm was located and accounted for.
But community members are asking – what was a gun doing on the school campus?
The Guam Gun Free School Zone Act of 2004 prohibits firearm possession in a school zone. A violation under the act is considered a third-degree felony. Penalties may include up to three years in jail and a $1,000 fine.
GDOE spokeswoman Isa Baza said the vehicle belonged to a GDOE employee. However, in her statement, Baza did not indicate who owned the gun, but she confirmed that the matter is under investigation by authorities.
“I will defer to GPD regarding any GPD investigation,” Baza said.
In response to the incident, Fernandez said, “Our Southern High School staff did an excellent job of searching the campus, and we also want to thank our GPD partners for their assistance. We are thankful that our students are safe and that this did not end up to be a worse situation.”
