Charges are likely headed to the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office against teens for bringing replica toy guns to Sequim School District campuses in late May, according to the Sequim Police Department.

Sgt. Carolee Edwards reported on May 23 that officers were investigating an incident involving three middle and high school-aged students seen in possession of prohibited weapons on school grounds at some point over the previous weekend.

Sequim School District officials contacted the police department that morning about the allegations, she said.

State law (RCW 9.41.280) prohibits dangerous weapons on school campuses, Edwards said.

The students’ age and gender were not released by police.

Edwards said that the students were posing with the replica weapons and did not appear to be making any threats.

“It’s very unfortunate they chose to bring (the replica weapons) to school property,” she said.

Interim superintendent Joan Zook sent out an email to parents/guardians on May 23 about the incident, saying there was no threat to anyone.

Administrators received photos that morning of the three students holding an airsoft pistol, a low-power replica gun that shoots non-metallic spheres, and a gel gun that shoots water-filled gel capsules such as Orbeez beads, on the Sequim Middle and Sequim High School campuses, Zook reported.

Edwards said it appears only two replica weapons were seen.

Zook said the pictures were from over the weekend, and taken from the students’ social media accounts posing with the toy/replica weapons.

District administrators immediately involved law enforcement and began working with the students and parents on disciplinary measures, Zook said.

“We can never underestimate the role we all — students, parents, and staff — play in keeping our schools safe,” she wrote. “Thank you to those who reported this information as it allowed us to address this situation quickly.”

National news outlets have reported on social media challenges related to individuals using gel blasters to shoot others unexpectedly.

No incidents like these were reported to 9-1-1 over the weekend.

Sequim Police Department report the investigation continues; they provided a follow-up on Wednesday, May 25, with potential charges for Clallam County Juvenile Court.