FORT WORTH, TX – A vigilant school resource officer and staff members at a Fort Worth high school likely averted a potentially dangerous situation on Wednesday. The group spotted unfamiliar faces in a vehicle loaded with weapons parked near the school, raising immediate concern.
The incident unfolded at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School during school hours. A school resource officer, alongside two staff members, was conducting a preventative patrol following reports of non-students trespassing on campus the previous day. Their proactive measures paid off when they noticed the suspicious vehicle returning.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers observed individuals inside acting nervously, attempting to conceal items. As they engaged with the occupants, a handgun was discovered beneath the seat of the first individual removed from the car. This individual was identified as 20-year-old Ryder Martinez, who was subsequently charged with a felony for unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited area.
The officers then turned their attention to the other three occupants. One of them fled the scene, but the remaining two were taken into custody. Both were juveniles, and one was found with a stolen Glock handgun and an extended magazine concealed in his clothing.
In a letter addressed to parents, Fort Worth ISD confirmed that the campus was briefly locked down due to police activity but did not provide specific details about the weapons found. The incident has left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the intentions of those involved.
Authorities have yet to determine any connections between the juveniles and the high school. The two minors have been taken to a juvenile detention center, while Martinez, a former student, was arrested and is not permitted on campus.
The swift action of the school resource officer and staff members was crucial in preventing what could have been a dangerous situation. Fort Worth police continue to investigate the motives behind the group’s presence on campus and how they acquired the stolen firearms.
The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring the safety of students and staff. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, emphasizing the need for continued security efforts within the school district.