LEHI, Utah — Lehi High School was placed on lockdown shortly after noon on Thursday after a parking lot attendant reported seeing a handgun inside a student’s parked vehicle. The discovery prompted a swift response from law enforcement and school officials, who prioritized the safety of students and staff while investigating the potential threat.
According to the Lehi Police Department, the alert came in around 12:15 p.m. when the school’s parking attendant noticed what appeared to be a handgun in plain sight within a student’s vehicle. Administrators immediately contacted police, and the school enacted a precautionary lockdown while officers arrived on the scene.
Responding officers quickly located the car and recovered the firearm. However, the student associated with the vehicle was not found on school grounds at the time, raising further concern. Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed whether the gun was loaded, or whether it had been brought with any malicious intent, but they emphasized that no threats had been made to students, staff, or the public.
“Our officers responded quickly to the scene and were able to secure the weapon without incident,” said Lehi Police spokesperson Sgt. Michael Evans. “We are continuing to investigate and are working to locate the student connected to the vehicle. At this time, there is no indication that anyone at the school was in immediate danger.”
The lockdown remained in place for approximately one hour while authorities conducted a full search of the premises and ensured there were no further threats. During that time, students remained in their classrooms with the doors locked, and teachers followed established safety protocols.
Parents were notified through the school’s emergency alert system, with school administrators urging families to remain calm and avoid coming to campus while the lockdown was in effect. Many parents expressed gratitude for the school’s quick response, though concern remains as the investigation continues.
“We understand this is a very troubling situation for parents, students, and staff alike,” said Lehi High School Principal Karen Whitmore in an emailed statement. “We are grateful for the swift actions of our staff and the Lehi Police Department, and we will continue to work closely with authorities to ensure the safety of our school community.”
Classes resumed later in the afternoon, though the school offered counseling services to students and staff who may have felt anxious or shaken by the incident. Additional officers were present on campus for the remainder of the school day as a precautionary measure.
As of Thursday evening, police had not yet publicly identified the student connected to the vehicle, but stated that the investigation is ongoing and that criminal charges may be filed depending on the circumstances. It remains unclear whether the gun was legally owned or how it ended up in the vehicle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the student’s whereabouts or the firearm to contact the Lehi Police Department. Meanwhile, school officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment and will be reviewing their safety procedures in light of the incident.
