Student arrested near North Las Vegas middle school after allegedly discarding AR-15 Rifle
North Las Vegas – A troubling incident unfolded near Swainston Middle School in April when Clark County School District Police arrested a student who allegedly possessed an AR-15 rifle and planned to steal vehicles with friends after school hours.
The incident
On April 14, Clark County School District Police Department officers were conducting increased patrols in the area surrounding Fort Niagara Avenue and Bethel Bay Street, near Swainston Middle School. The enhanced police presence was a direct response to recent fighting incidents and suspected drug-related activity in the neighborhood.
During their patrol, officers encountered three young males. When approached by law enforcement, one of the students fled on foot, leading officers on a chase before ultimately being apprehended. A witness at the scene reported observing one of the boys throwing what appeared to be a firearm into nearby bushes.
The weapon discovery
Following the witness report, officers conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered a Ruger AR-15 rifle equipped with a Tasco optical sight. The weapon contained a magazine loaded with 28 rounds of ammunition, according to the official arrest report.
Perhaps most concerning to school safety officials, police indicated that the student “may have been in possession of the firearm during school hours,” raising serious questions about campus security protocols and student safety measures.
Criminal intent revealed
During questioning, one of the detained students disclosed that the group “were going to steal cars after school,” suggesting the weapon may have been intended for use in planned criminal activities. This revelation added another layer of concern to an already serious situation.
The arrested student now faces multiple charges, including carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Notably, CCSDPD classified this gun incident as occurring off school property, which may have implications for how the case is prosecuted and what disciplinary measures the school district can implement.
Broader context of school safety concerns
This incident is part of a larger pattern of weapons-related concerns within the Clark County School District. According to district police data, officers seized a total of 36 firearms from August 2024 through the end of May 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenge of keeping weapons away from students.
The situation echoes earlier concerns raised in February when a parent addressed the school board following an incident at Tom Williams Elementary School, where a student brought a firearm onto campus. Abraham Caramejo spoke passionately to CCSD’s board of trustees, saying, “Lord forbid that we have an incident in our community.”
District response and safety measures
When asked about expanding safety protocols, newly appointed CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert outlined current measures being implemented across the district. “The safety measures that have been put in place, the alerts, right? We know every faculty member now does have access to the alert system as well as a single point of entry,” Ebert explained to the board.
She emphasized that these protocols represent best practices in school safety and committed to continuing the implementation of security measures at both middle and elementary school levels throughout the district.
Student safety perceptions
Troubling survey data from CCSD’s website reveals the impact these incidents have on the school community. According to a February survey, only 64% of students at Swainston Middle School reported feeling safe at their school. Even more concerning, 62% of students indicated that “students at this school threaten to hurt other students.”
These statistics paint a picture of a school environment where a significant portion of the student body feels unsafe or threatened, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive safety interventions.
Progress despite challenges
Despite the serious nature of this incident, CCSDPD reported some positive developments in their annual summary. The department closed out the 2024-2025 school year with a decrease in the total number of firearms seized compared to the previous academic year, suggesting that some safety initiatives may be having a positive impact.
However, the fact that weapons continue to appear in and around school environments remains a critical concern for parents, educators, and law enforcement officials working to ensure student safety across the Las Vegas valley.
Moving forward
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex safety challenges facing schools in the Las Vegas area. As the district continues to implement and refine its security measures, the collaboration between school officials, law enforcement, and the community remains essential in creating safe learning environments for all students.
The case also highlights the importance of community vigilance, as it was a witness report that led to the discovery of the weapon, potentially preventing a more serious incident from occurring.
Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/student-arrested-near-north-las-011247069.html
Category: Local News, Breaking News, Education
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 06/30/2025
