Waukesha police tout students' quick actions reporting suspect with gun near North HS

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Waukesha police are sharing more information about what happened at Waukesha North High School Friday, April 14, when a 17-year-old was arrested with a rifle in a backyard next to the school.

Waukesha police say students were having lunch outside at Waukesha North High School when they saw the 17-year-old, reportedly wearing a mask, holding a rifle, and moving suspiciously nearby.

The students went straight to the school resource officer.

"They noticed some suspicious activity going on in an adjacent property to the district property," said Captain Dan Baumann with the Waukesha Police Department.

Waukesha Police Department Captain Dan Baumann says, what these students did next was critical: they gave a detailed report to the school resource officer.

"Specific clothing, specific mask, or face covering that he had on, as well as this person had what they believed could be a rifle," said Captain Baumann.

Captain Baumann says their description included the fact that the 17-year-old wasn't just standing outside with a gun.

"What the students could've said, more of a tactical type of maneuver," said Captain Baumann.

With this information, he says police were able to act fast to enact safety protocols and lock down schools.

"And if it wasn't for those courageous students on Friday, you know I think we may have a different theme that we would be talking about today, because those students truly stood up, they spoke up, they advocated, and protected the lives of other kids in that district," said Captain Baumann.

Captain Baumann says the incident is still under investigation, as they say they still need to talk with family members and navigate behavioral health issues with the still unnamed suspect before recommending charges.

Police say he will be treated as an adult.

Looking to the future, Captain Baumann wants all students to know that reporting any sort of concerning behavior before something happens can save lives.

"So, let's not say that after anymore, let's say that on the front end, and address it on the front end before the bad happens," said Captain Baumann.

The state of Wisconsin's "Speak Up Speak Out" program offers ways to report concerning behavior, over the phone and online.

You can learn more about "Speak Up Speak Out" HERE.