SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley Middle/High School students were required to remain in their classrooms at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 after an unloaded gun was found in a backpack.

According to Spring Valley School District Superintendent John Groh, the school implemented a “hold in place” protocol, which allows students to learn while remaining in their classrooms until the protocol is lifted. The protocol lifted at 11:37 a.m.

“We took this action after receiving a report of an individual at the school who may have had a gun in their belongings,” Groh said. “Staff immediately responded by contacting law enforcement and supporting a police investigation. School staff found that a weapon was in a locked bag at school, but it was unloaded and had no ammunition.”

Police later found ammunition in proximity to the firearm.

Prior to Spring Valley Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff’s Office responding, staff identified and located the people posing the potential threat, SVPD Chief Dulcie Lillie said.

“Staff confiscated the backpack and took steps to make sure all students in the school were safe,” Lillie said in a news release. “Law enforcement secured the firearm which was found inside a box that was located in the backpack, along with ammunition for the firearm. It was determined through investigation with the involved individuals and witnesses that there was no further threat to the students, staff, or the community.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Lillie commended the coordinated efforts of school staff, who she said “handled this situation very professionally and in accordance to their training by taking swift and appropriate actions.”

Groh said in a letter to parents that student and staff safety is a priority. Administrative and counseling staff were made available for students, parents and staff.

“While we don’t anticipate any further updates at this point, I will certainly reach out if/when they become available,” Groh said. “We are grateful for the assistance of our law enforcement in keeping us all safe.”

The name of the individual(s) possessing the firearm has not been released.

“We also know that our families and staff will want more information. While we are legally obligated to maintain student confidentiality, we will follow our policies and procedures when it comes to disciplinary action,” Groh said.