Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies and Pajaro Valley Unified School District officials are investigating after a bag containing a firearm and ammunition was found at Aptos High School.
A mask was also found nearby, PVUSD spokesman Alejandro Chavez said in a press release.
PVUSD has notified neighboring law enforcement agencies and plans to increase staffing and law enforcement presence at high schools in Santa Cruz County for the coming week.
“We are taking every available precaution to maintain a safe environment while the investigation continues,” the release said.
The investigation includes a comprehensive search of the campus and surrounding areas, with assistance from a bomb-detection K9 unit and a bomb squad.
“The safety of students, staff, the campus and the greater Santa Cruz County community is our highest priority,” the release said.
Chavez said that officials will release more information when it is available;.
