The firearm seized from a Fortuna student earlier today | FPD


UPDATE: Second Fortuna Student Arrested Friday in Possession of a Different Handgun

PREVIOUSLY: Fortuna Juvenile Taken Into Custody After Bringing Gun to School, Says FPD

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Fortuna Police Department press release:

On Friday, September 8th 2023 at approximately 9:00 A.M., the Fortuna Police Department received a report that a 15 year old male student was in possession of a handgun and that he would be bringing the handgun to school at the Eel River Community School located in the 2200 block of Newburg Road in Fortuna.

Officers were familiar with the 15 year old male student as he had been previously arrested by Fortuna Police back in February of 2023 for attempted homicide, robbery, conspiracy and concealing evidence.

Officers responded to the Eel River Community School and coordinated with school administrators to detain the student upon their arrival.

At approximately 9:22 A.M., the 15 years old male student arrived in the parking-lot of Eel River Community School as a passenger in a vehicle and was immediately detained by officers. The 9mm Glock brand semi- automatic handgun and a loaded magazine was located in his possession as well as a a separate loaded magazine for a .22 rifle. The handgun and ammunition were seized and the student was immediately taken into custody without incident.

The 15 year old male student was transported to Juvenile Hall and booked on the following felony charges:

  • California Penal Code 29650, Minor illegally possessing live ammunition
  • California Penal Code 25850(C)(6), Carrying loaded handgun
  • California Penal Code 12022.1, Commission of Felony while on custodial release
  • California Penal Code 25400(A)(1), Carrying concealed weapon in vehicle
  • California Penal Code 29610(A), Minor in possession of handgun
  • California Penal Code 459, Burglary
  • California Penal Code 626.9(B), Possession of firearm at school (Safe School Act)
  • California Penal Code 30310(A) Possession of ammunition at school

Officers and investigators conducted a follow-up search of the location where the 15 year old student had been residing in the 2700 block of Hookton Road in Loleta, California. The 22. Caliber Rifle was located and seized as evidence.

During this incident and as a precautionary measure, police contacted Walker Elementary School due to its close proximity to Eel River School. Walker Elementary was put into a soft lockdown for a little over ten minutes while police took the 15 year old student into custody. It should be noted that there was no information regarding a direct threat to Walker Elementary School. The lockdown was precautionary, as we all take the safety of our students and school staff very seriously.