West Jordan High School placed on lockdown after mom reports son as possible threat

West Jordan High School was placed on a temporary lockdown Monday so police could locate and talk to a student after the boy's mother reported he had said he could "relate to" the recent school shootings across the country.

The 17-year-old boy spoke with his mother, who lives out of state, by telephone over the weekend and she called police Monday morning, West Jordan police officer J.C. Holt said. The boy , who in the past has struggled with some mental health issues, told his mother that he "could see why these type of shootings happen," Holt said.

"It was reported that there may be access to firearms where he is living and she didn't feel good about it," Holt said.

The boy lives with his father, Holt said.

Police went to the high school, 8136 S. 2700 West, shortly before the lunch hour and met with school administrators. They placed the school on lockdown while officers tried to locate the boy.

The teen was not on campus, but police found him about 25 minutes later outside the school and the lockdown was lifted, Holt said.

No firearms were found and police determined the boy did not pose any threat to others. No criminal charges are being pursued, Holt said.

Holt said the lockdown may have proved inconvenient for students and staff, but police and administrators believed it was better to err on the side of caution.

"In a situation like this, we're really more concerned with the safety of the students than we are with the convenience of the school," he said.

jdobner@sltrib.com