JUST IN: Two teens arrested after gun displayed near John Muir Middle School

Two 16-year-old boys were taken into custody Thursday afternoon after one displayed a gun during a brief exchange with students near John Muir Middle School, police said.

Arrest and charges

The encounter happened at about 12:47 p.m. while three John Muir students were outside for recess within the fenced playground area, according to the Wausau Police Department.

Police said the two boys were walking east on a sidewalk south of the school track when they exchanged words with the students.

During the exchange, one of the boys lifted his shirt and showed a firearm.

The students immediately notified school staff and the school resource officer, who began heading toward the park area where the boys were walking.

As additional officers responded, the school initiated a “Secure,” a safety protocol that brings students and staff inside and locks exterior doors.

Both were taken into custody, and officers recovered a firearm.

Case background

Officers located the two boys about five minutes later, at 12:52 p.m., as they were leaving Marathon Park near Stewart Avenue and South Eighth Avenue, police said.