Desert Oasis student arrested for possession of gun

A gun was confiscated from a student Friday at a southwest Las Vegas high school that has struggled recently with a string of fights and lockdowns.

Desert Oasis High School Principal Jennifer Boeddeker wrote to parents in a Friday email informing them that the firearm was confiscated on campus earlier in the day.

“In an effort to keep you informed of matters happening within our Desert Oasis High School community, I want to make you aware of an incident that occurred today on campus,” Boeddeker wrote. “Today, CCSD Police arrested a juvenile who was found to be in possession of a firearm. There were no threats made against our students or staff.

“Because this is a law enforcement matter we don’t have any additional information to share at this time,” Boeddeker said.

Clark County School District police Lt. Bryan Zink said school police were notified by Las Vegas police that a minor at the school was being sought in connection with “an off campus incident.”

“The juvenile was located by officers and taken into custody,” Zink wrote in a text. “While searching the juvenile, officers discovered a handgun.”

Zink said the juvenile was arrested on charges of minor in possession of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon on school property, carrying a concealed weapon, loitering about school with a dangerous weapon and resisting a police officer.

Desert Oasis is located on the edge of Southern Highlands community at 6600 W. Erie Ave., near West Cactus Avenue and Decatur Boulevard. Last week, parents and students expressed frustration over a string of lockdowns and fights at the school. The school was locked down on March 9 for about two hours after a report of a student with a gun. School district police checked every room and questioned as many students as possible before determining there was no gun on campus, and no one was arrested. On March 10, one man and one juvenile were arrested and nine other juveniles were cited when fights broke out.

Boeddeker wrote to parents that the finding of the gun is a good opportunity “to discuss school safety with your child.”

“If they ever face a situation where they are unsure whether or not to share information with an adult, please remind them to never hesitate reporting anything that may be a safety issue,” she wrote.

She said parents and students can utilize the SafeVoice reporting system by calling 833-216-SAFE (7233), through the website at safevoicenv.org or through the free downloadable phone app. Or they can call CCSDPD dispatch at 702-799-5411.

Contact Glenn Puit by email at gpuit@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GlennatRJ on Twitter.