Student Detained After Firearm Discovered on Campus at Rancho Del Rey Middle School
CHULA VISTA, CA — A middle school student was taken into custody on May 28, 2026, after school staff and law enforcement officers discovered a firearm hidden on campus grounds.
The incident began at approximately 10:50 a.m. when Chula Vista Police Department School Resource Officers responded to Rancho Del Rey Middle School. The response was initiated after school personnel found an unspent round of ammunition on the campus. Law enforcement and school administrators immediately launched a joint investigation into the matter.
During the inquiry, investigators interviewed multiple students and received information that a student had been seen discarding an object near the school’s fence line. In response, the administration placed the school on Secure Campus status to ensure safety while officers searched the specified area.
During the search, officers located a firearm hidden underneath a bush near the perimeter fence. The weapon was determined to be an unserialized firearm equipped with an unloaded magazine. Officers also recovered a second unspent round of ammunition nearby.
Following the discovery, one student was arrested for allegedly bringing the firearm onto the school grounds. Due to the suspect’s status as a minor, law enforcement officials have not released any identifying information.
The Chula Vista Police Department stated that there is no ongoing threat to the students, staff, or campus. Department officials noted that the prompt reporting of information by students and staff enabled a rapid and safe resolution to the incident.
