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A Sam Barlow High School student was arrest Dec. 3 after a school resource officer found him on the roof with two unloaded guns and ammo, police said. No one was injured.

(The Oregonian/OregonLive/file)

A Sam Barlow High School student was arrested during a dance on campus Saturday after a Gresham police officer found the boy on the roof with two unloaded guns and ammo, authorities say.

Other students at the school's annual winter formal "Snowball Dance" saw someone in dark clothing standing on the roof near the student parking lot and told staff, Gresham police said. The staff then told school resource officer Jeff Culp.

The arrested student, who has not been identified by the school district or police department, told Culp that he was on the roof to make sure the other students were safe, police said. He didn't express any interest in hurting anyone.

The boy was booked into the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on several weapon possession charges, police said. The Gresham-Barlow School District said the dance continued after his arrest.

No one was injured. Police ask anyone who knew the boy's plans in advance or know of any other students planning to bring guns to school to call Culp at 503-258-4864. Calls can also be made to 911, Gresham police's non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 or the Gresham police tip line at 503-618-2719.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey