Student arrested on gun possession charge at Capital High School

A Capital High School student was arrested Thursday after a handgun was found in his car, according to the Olympia Police Department.

The 18-year-old student allegedly brought the gun to school following a dispute with another student, a juvenile, over theft of marijuana. The student reported that he had brought the gun to school for protection because he believed he would be assaulted by the other student.

The 18-year-old student is the son of the school’s student resource officer, said Lt. Paul Lower.

Student Resource Officer Shon Malone was notified that his son had brought the gun to school and removed him from class. Officers and a supervisor responded to the school, and Malone was removed from the investigation to prevent a conflict of interest, according to Olympia police.

Officers conducted a search of the student’s car and recovered a loaded handgun. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities.

School administration contacted the other student and searched his property. They found a quarter-pound of marijuana, which was seized by police. Information about the second suspect is being referred to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for possible charges in juvenile court, according to Olympia police.

Officer Malone has been temporarily reassigned to administrative duties during an internal investigation of the incident.

Officer Kim Seig will serve as the Capital High School student resource officer starting Oct. 5. Seig previously served as the school’s student resource officer from 2006 to 2011.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 9:44 AM with the headline "Student arrested on gun possession charge at Capital High School."