Information on Safety Incidents at Cascade High School and Jr. High

We want to update you on two incidents in the last 12 hours. This morning the Jr. High and High School campuses were briefly placed on “Secure Hold”, a less severe part of our safety protocol than a lockdown. This was due to a message sent by a Jr. High student that raised concern.  Law enforcement investigated and it was deemed not a credible threat, and they cleared the schools to open. The Secure Hold has been lifted and school is proceeding as normal. 

Additionally, last night an incident occurred on the high school campus about 30 minutes after our home volleyball game. A car drove up to a group of students talking in the parking lot, and threatened them with a gun. The car quickly left the property. The accused was arrested in Stayton shortly after, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office has said there is no immediate threat to our students and will be monitoring the area today. 

This is a serious incident, and we are actively working with local law enforcement. While we cannot comment on individual cases, these kinds of actions will always be met with the fullest extent of our district policies and our state laws.

High school counselors are available to talk with any students who need support and want to process last night’s event.

We know these events can cause anxiety. We are following law enforcement directions and have the ok to continue with the school day safely.

In the light of the traumatic incident in Bend, Oregon yesterday, we must come together and support each other. The strength of the Cascade Community has always been our ability to cope, encourage, and support each other through times of calm as well as times of difficulty.  

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community.

Here is the statement from Marion County Sheriff’s Office on last night’s event:

“[Thursday] evening at approximately 8:09 p.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the parking lot of Cascade High School, located at 10226 Marion Road SE in Turner, following a Cascade volleyball game.

During the incident, an altercation occurred between occupants of two vehicles. During the confrontation, a handgun was reportedly brandished by one of the involved individuals. The suspect then left the area in a vehicle. No injuries were reported, and no shots were fired.

A short time later, Stayton Police Department located the suspect vehicle in the 1300 block of W. Washington Street in Stayton. When deputies arrived, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies arrested 18-year-old Cruz Ramirez for the crimes of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Menacing. Ramirez was transported and lodged at the Marion County Jail. A firearm (with obliterated serial numbers) was located during the stop. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the Stayton Police Department, Aumsville Police Department, and Turner Police Department for their assistance and coordinated response in this incident.”