Two students arrested at Fitchburg High School for having knives in school

This article was originally featured here. 

FITCHBURG, MASS. (WHDH) - Two students were placed under arrest on Monday after they allegedly brought knives to Fitchburg High School, prompting a lockdown.

Fitchburg Police were called to the school around 9:30 a.m. for a possible threat involving a gun, which placed the school on lockdown briefly as officers searched the building.

“It’s just unnerving, to know that just, simple students that are my kids’ age bring weapons to school,” said Jennifer Marin, a concerned parent.

Officials said a 17-year-old was taken into custody and arrested once police discovered he was carrying a pocket knife. The teen had apparently been accompanied by three other students inside the school, including a 16-year-old boy who investigators said was carrying a kitchen knife and was later placed under arrest as well.

“(It’s) very unfortunate, it’s a tough way to start a week,” said Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale, who also chairs the school committee.

Police said no gun was ever located. The school said it learned of the threat this morning through the STOPit app, which all students, teachers and staff have access to.

You can watch the video by clicking the image below:

“It’s automatic – it’s not just the state laws, it’s certainly a district rule at Fitchburg Public Schools,” DiNatale said, reiterating the policies in place for such incidents. “You bring in any kind of a weapon, you will be suspended, pending an investigation, at the very least.”

The two teens were taken to police headquarters, where they were booked Monday morning. An investigation remains ongoing.