Quick Response by Officers Prevents Potential School Violence at Mesquite High School
SUSPECT(S): Juvenile Ridgecrest Resident
CHARGE(S):
PC 422 – Criminal Threats
PC 626.9 – Possession of Firearms on School Grounds
PC 496(a) – Possession of Stolen Firearm
PC 25400 – Carrying a Concealed Firearm
PC 32310 – Possession of Large-Capacity Magazine
PC 25850 – Carrying a Loaded Firearm
RIDGECREST, CA — On February 25, 2026, the Ridgecrest Police Department responded to a report of a student on campus at Mesquite High School who was in possession of a firearm and had made threats toward another student.
School Resource Officer, Officer Franco, was notified of the situation and immediately requested additional officers to respond. Officers quickly arrived on campus, located the student, and safely detained him without incident.
During a search of the student’s backpack, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun. The firearm was secured, and a records check revealed it had been reported stolen out of Long Beach, California. Officers also located a high capacity magazine within the backpack.
Due to the rapid response of school staff and law enforcement, the situation was swiftly contained. While investigations are ongoing, it is clear that the immediate actions taken by Officer Franco and responding officers likely prevented a potentially tragic incident.
The Ridgecrest Police Department takes all threats involving schools with the utmost seriousness. We are grateful for our partnership with school administrators and the vigilance of those who report concerning behavior.
We would also like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of:
▪ Knowing what your children are bringing to school.
▪ Having open conversations about threats, violence, and consequences.
▪ Properly securing firearms and other weapons in locked safes or with approved locking devices so minors cannot gain access.
Safe firearm storage is not only responsible ownership, it is critical to preventing tragedies.
This case remains under investigation, and appropriate charges will be forwarded to the Juvenile Probation Department.
For further information, please contact Sergeant Dan Pietrangelo at: dpietrangelo@ridgecrest-ca.gov
Mario Ysit, Chief of Police
Prepared by: Sergeant Pietrangelo
 100 W. California Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 Call: 760-499-5100 Fax: 760-499-1501
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