Fifth-grader planned to harm classmates

Police Wednesday said officers recovered a firearm from the home of an 11-year-old boy who barricaded himself inside a Santa Cruz elementary school classroom Tuesday afternoon.

Around 2:20 p.m., officers were called to Bayview Elementary School regarding an 11-year-old student’s aggressive behavior, according to police.

Following established protocol, educators guided students from the room to await the officers’ arrival. Officers appeared within minutes and detained the student, who had barricaded himself in the classroom, police said.

The student was safely removed from school and taken to a care facility.

Police said they worked with school administrators to notify parents and staff about the incident.

Further investigation revealed that the fifth-grader planned to harm specific students. His family is cooperating with investigators and school administrators, and a firearm was recovered from his home, according to police.

Santa Cruz police said in a statement:

 

“This case underscores the importance of the working relationship and full cooperation between Santa Cruz City School and the police. We are thankful the situation was resolved as quickly and safely as possible, without injury to students or staff.”