AJPD Finds No Credible Gun Threat After Report During Student Protest
News Source: Apache Junction Police Department
APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – On Friday morning, students from Apache Junction High School and Cactus Canyon Middle School walked out of school and gathered off school property. They walked through the city as part of a peaceful protest. Apache Junction Police Department was aware of the event and had officers in the area.
While the group was near Ironwood Drive and Apache Trail, AJPD received a report that a person driving by had pointed a gun at the students. As a result, several students ran into a nearby Circle K for safety.
Officers were on scene at the time of the report and did not observe any behavior consistent with a firearm being pointed at the students. Officers immediately contacted witnesses and conducted interviews.
Officers also spoke with parents who were escorting students at the time. None reported witnessing a gun or any threatening behavior and stated their information was based on what students had relayed to them.
Witness accounts provided conflicting information regarding vehicle descriptions and the location of the alleged incident. After investigating, officers determined that no gun was pointed at any student and no threats were made.
No students were located who personally witnessed a firearm. All students contacted by police and that remained on scene only heard secondhand that someone had pointed a gun.
Apache Junction Police Department supports the community’s right to peacefully protest and responded to ensure everyone’s safety. We also want to clarify that the reported threat was investigated and found to be unfounded.
We appreciate the community’s cooperation and encourage residents to rely on verified information shared directly by AJPD.
