Rainier Middle School was placed in lockdown shortly after the start of the school day Wednesday, November 10.
“The reason for the lockdown was a reported threat,” Auburn School District Executive Director of Communications Vicki Alonzo said. The lockdown lasted approximately one hour.
According to Auburn Police Department Public Information Officer Kolby Crossley, threats of a shooting were unsubstantiated. “They found a [juvenile*] who allegedly had a gun and detained him, but he did not actually have a gun.”
The male juvenile was taken into custody by officers and the school cleared. The lockdown was lifted at about 8:35 a.m.
ASD requires schools to perform one active shooter drill per year. Alonzo could not confirm but doubted Rainier Middle School had conducted their 2021-22 drill.
Report a Threat
Students, staff, family, and community members are urged to report any and all threats, potential crises, inappropriate behavior, or suspicious activity. Tips may be submitted to the Auburn School District in one of four ways. Individuals may submit tips anonymously.
How to Report:
Online: http://1258.alert1.us
Email: 1258@alert1.us
Phone: 855.790.9375
- Weapons or threats
- Bullying or harassment
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Arson or criminal activity
- Gang activity
- Suicide concerns
- Vandalism or theft
- Online predators
*Due to privacy reasons, the Auburn School District was unable to confirm or deny if the individual referenced by Crossley is a student at RMS or any other ASD school.
A photo of a male juvenile in police custody at RMS is making the rounds. The Auburn Examiner will not publish this or any other photo of this juvenile. We encourage our readers to also not share this photo or the juvenile’s identity.