On March 7, 2025, at approximately 9:05 a.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department and District 51 Safety and Security responded to a report of a student bringing a handgun to Bookcliff Middle School and making threatening statements to classmates. Officers quickly located the handgun and took the student into custody.
The juvenile (age 13) was transported to the Division of Youth Services on the following charges:
- Felony Menacing (10 counts)
- Weapon Possession School/Childcare - Firearm
- Possession of Handgun by Juvenile
- Theft
- Interference with Staff, Faculty, or Student of Educational Institutions
There were no injuries in this incident, and the handgun was not discharged at any time. School administration placed Bookcliff Middle School in a shelter-in-place while officers conducted their investigation.
Because the individual taken into custody is a juvenile, their identity will not be released in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act laws. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the school or community.
This incident remains under investigation, and there is no further information available at this time.