Increased Security Persists At RUHS Following Back-To-Back Gun Arrests

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Additional security measures will be implemented at Redondo Union High School until the end of the school year following the arrest of two students who brought guns to school on back-to-back days earlier this month.

The two separate incidents caused officials to cancel school for a day in order to assess the situation, search the campus and implement heightened security measures. The Redondo Beach Police Department announced Wednesday that the agency will continue having an increased presence at the high school.

"We are thankful to learn RBPD’s investigation has not found any information of a plot of violence or planned acts of violence on any individual or against the school. While this news is reassuring, we also know that we must remain vigilant," Redondo Beach Unified School District Superintendent Nicole Wesley said in a statement.

Both 10th-grade students were arrested on Dec. 4 and 5 in two different incidents where officials were informed about them being in possession of loaded firearms. The high school was closed on Wednesday while the Redondo Beach Police Department worked with school officials to conduct a thorough sweep of the campus and reevaluate safety protocols.

Neither student was identified due to their age. During an online presentation for parents, RBPD Lt. Cory King said the investigation was continuing into how and why the students had the weapons on campus. He said neither student is a documented gang member.

After a thorough investigation, police said they found no evidence of planned violence on the school grounds or to any specific people. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office filed criminal charges against the two boys but did not disclose the exact charges due to their ages.

When students return after winter break, security measures will include:

• The campus will have four entry and exit points at the three existing locations plus the Vincent Gate entrance. RBPD officers will be present at the locations in the mornings through Jan. 12.
• Metal detectors will be removed.
• School Resource Officers will continue their daily visits to RUHS to check-in.
• A third-party security firm will be on campus through Jan. 19. After Jan. 19, several part-time campus security officers will have increased hours to add to police presence.
• There will be several random search days on campus with the K-9 search dogs until the end of the school year. Dates will not be disclosed in advance of the search.