The Rochester School District’s school resource deputy is investigating after a student reportedly brought a firearm to Rochester High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
“As is common in such cases, students involved in the investigation will not be allowed on campus while it is ongoing,” Rochester School District Superintendent Jennifer Bethman and Rochester High School Principal Kevin Theonnes stated in a letter to parents and guardians that was sent out Oct. 31. “As it is an ongoing investigation, we are not able to share more information at this time.”
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday, Nov. 1, that a complaint has been filed and that the Rochester school resource deputy is actively investigating the incident.
“This situation came to our attention thanks to a courageous student who overheard a concerning conversation and shared it with a trusted adult,” Rochester school officials stated in the letter. The investigation into the incident reportedly began the evening of Oct. 30. “We commend this student for taking the initiative to speak up, which allowed us to respond quickly.”
The Rochester School District asks anyone with information about the incident to contact Theonnes at ktheonnes@rochester.wednet.edu or 360-273-5534.
“The safety of our school community is our top priority. We encourage everyone to ‘see something, say something’ to help keep our schools safe,’” district officials stated in the letter.
