A 15-year-old Newport High School student was arrested Wednesday afternoon after reports of a school-aged male carrying what appeared to be a rifle near campus prompted a large law enforcement response and temporary lockdowns at area schools.
According to the Newport Police Department, officers were dispatched around 2:15 p.m. May 6 to the area of Newport High School after receiving reports of a male carrying a rifle.
Officers from the Newport Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded and began searching for the suspect. School administrators and personnel with the Lincoln County School District placed area schools into lockdown while officers worked to secure the scene.
Police said officers quickly identified and contacted the suspect, who was determined to be a 15-year-old student at the high school. Investigators later determined the weapon was an airsoft AR-style replica gun.
Authorities said officers quickly confirmed there was no ongoing threat to students or the public. The lockdowns were lifted shortly afterward and schools resumed normal operations.
The juvenile was arrested on a charge of first-degree disorderly conduct and later released to a parent.
The Newport Police Department thanked the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for assisting during the incident.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Mangum with the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. Tips can also be submitted through the Newport Police Tip Line at 541-574-5455, by text at 541-270-1856, or by email at tipline@newportpolice.net.
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