The Eunice Police Department (EPD) was alerted by a concerned student and parent just after 10:00 am, on Thursday, August 25 of “a student possibly armed with a gun at Eunice High School”. The high school is located at 1720 Avenue K in Eunice.
In response, the School Resource Officer immediately placed the Eunice Public School District on lockdown and EPD officers secured a perimeter around the high school and instituted a search for the suspect.
“Within seconds of arriving at the school, the subject was located by Eunice Police Officers, detained and a pistol was found to be in the subject’s possession,” states a press release issued by Eunice Police Chief Casey Arcidez. More specifically the EHS Facebook page states, “The student and the [student’s] backpack were searched by police officers, a gun was found. The student was placed under arrest and taken into custody.”
At the time of the alert, Eunice High School had just finished a Shelter-in-Place lockdown in compliance with the school’s yearly safety drills. According to the Eunice High School (EHS) Facebook page, both EPD officers and the New Mexico State Police were on campus to assist with the drill.
According to Chief Arcidez’s press release, officers contacted a witness who had observed another student “armed with a pistol”. The EHS Facebook page states, “The student in question had been in the office since 9:50 reporting an illness.”
The subject was taken to EPD headquarters to be interviewed by EPD detectives.
With no other threats reported, the lockdown of the school district was lifted.
In the press release Chief Arcidez thanks the Eunice Public Schools, the New Mexico State Police, parents, students and teachers for “following strict protocols and keeping our precious children safe.”
Eunice High School thanks the EPD, the New Mexico State Police, in addition to those making the report. The high school also thanks students and staff “for following safety protocols and keeping everyone safe.”
Public Expresses Comments and Concerns
Many comments and concerns about the incident are being posted on Facebook.
Local resident Tracy Davis says, “I will say the staff at Eunice High School is Rock Solid! The Eunice Police Department and our local NM state police department are true heroes and came running into unknown dangers! I would not want to be [in] any other place in an emergency.”
Marissa Longoria says, “Having to read the text from my son “‘They had us hiding behind desk[s] with the doors locked’”. Thank god everyone is okay but this is not okay. I hope this little boy gets in soo much trouble.”
Parent Megan Gallegos sums up the thoughts and feelings of many. “Why do we live in a world where this is a parent’s worst fear?! Today, I read the dreaded text of ‘We are on lockdown. Someone has a gun here at school’. This kid was in Kierra’s [her daughter’s] classroom! I thank God for His protection over our school and kids. Thank you EPD and Eunice schools for your quick reactions to this incident.”
