Student allegedly had gun at Prairie High School

A 19-year-old senior at Prairie High School was arrested at his home Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of bringing a handgun to school.

Jase Alan Vesterby allegedly brought the weapon to school a couple of weeks ago and multiple students later alerted Prairie’s school resource officer, Deputy Dwaine Bowden.

“He did not threaten anyone and there was no indication that he came to school intending to use it,” said Gregg Herrington, spokesman for Battle Ground Public Schools.

Bowden interviewed students and eventually contacted Vesterby at his home Wednesday afternoon and arrested him. He was also expelled from school in an “emergency expulsion” procedure. The student was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of possessing a dangerous weapon on school grounds.

Prairie High School Principal Jason Perrins sent an automated voice message to parents of Prairie High School students, letting them know about the incident. He also praised the students who brought up the issue to the school resource officer:

“I want to express my appreciation to the students who came forward and all our students who help us keep PHS safe. We are very proud of our students for realizing the seriousness of weapons being brought to school.”