Juvenile Arrested Following Reported Threat Connected to Elma High School Football Game

ELMA, Wash. — A juvenile was arrested Friday after Elma Police investigated a reported threat of violence toward an Elma High School student that authorities say was connected to the school's football game.

According to a statement from Elma Police Chief Tracy Gay, officers received information Friday indicating that a juvenile from outside the area may have been coming to the football game in connection with the reported threat.

Elma Police officers, assisted by deputies from the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office, provided additional security at the game while school officials put additional safety precautions in place.

Police said investigators identified and contacted a juvenile believed to be associated with the reported threat as the juvenile attempted to enter the game.

According to police, the juvenile was trespassed from school property and ordered to leave. Police allege the juvenile failed to comply with officers' lawful directions and refused to leave the school grounds.

The juvenile was subsequently arrested and booked into juvenile detention on multiple criminal charges. Police did not identify the juvenile or specify the charges in the release.

Separate Altercation Investigated During Game

Police also responded to a separate incident involving two students during the football game. Authorities said those students were not involved in the previously reported threat.

During that altercation, police said one of the students deployed pepper spray, inadvertently exposing a faculty member.

That incident remains under investigation.

"The Elma Police Department has zero tolerance for violence in our community, especially when it targets children or students," Chief Gay said in the department's release.

The department also thanked Elma School District staff and the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office for their cooperation in responding to the incidents and helping maintain safety during Friday night's game.

The police statement provides additional context following the Elma School District's announcement Monday that it is implementing new security measures for school games, including a clear-bag policy, restrictions on face coverings used to conceal identity, and new admission requirements for students.