BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Ridgecrest police arrested a Mesquite High School student after he was found on campus with a loaded stolen handgun and a high-capacity magazine after allegedly making threats to another student. Police are crediting a school resource officer for the rapid response.
The Ridgecrest Police Department said on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, officers responded to a report of a student on campus at Mesquite High School who was in possession of a gun and had made threats toward another student.
Police said a school resource officer was notified of the situation and immediately requested additional officers. Officers quickly arrived on campus, found the student, and safely detained him without incident.
According to police, during a search of the student’s backpack, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun. The firearm was secured, and a records check revealed it had been reported stolen out of Long Beach.
Officers also found a high-capacity magazine within the backpack, according to police.
The student was charged for criminal threats, possession of firearms on school grounds, possession of a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and carrying a loaded firearm.
In a release, it said, “Due to the rapid response of school staff and law enforcement, the situation was swiftly contained. While investigations are ongoing, it is clear that the immediate actions taken by Officer Franco and responding officers likely prevented a potentially tragic incident.”
Ridgecrest police said the department takes all threats involving schools with the utmost seriousness. “We are grateful for our partnership with school admin and the vigilance of those who report concerning behavior,” said in a release.