An official with the Kirkland Police Department has confirmed that the victim of a sexual assault at Juanita High School on Oct. 22 is a special-needs student.
Four Juanita High School students have been arrested for allegedly assaulting the 18-year-old male student in a locker room. Kirkland police are still investigating the incident but have also referred the case on to prosecutors for charges.
A district employee, who did not want to be named and was the first to confirm to the Reporter that the victim is special needs, also said that the suspects are all freshmen at the high school.
The arrests were made Oct. 23 after the victim and his family told police officers that he was assaulted by several younger male students. The male students were identified and arrested. They were interviewed and released to their parent’s later that day.
“Students who interrupted the situation put a stop to it, as well as reporting it to adults,” Juanita High School Principal Gary Moed said on a letter to parents. “On Thursday morning, the Kirkland police department began an investigation of the incident. We are cooperating fully with the Kirkland police, who arrested four students on Thursday afternoon. We also began investigating the situation with regard to school discipline.”
Because of student privacy laws, the school cannot divulge further information, including discipline, according to Moed.
“However, I can assure you that we have already taken action with regard to the safety of students and staff at Juanita High School,” Moed said.
The Kirkland Police Department in a release stated that the Lake Washington School District has taken action against the four students per district policy. Students are given an emergency expulsion if the district believes they impose a danger to other students or faculty members, according to Lake Washington School District spokesperson Kathryn Rieth. They can later be allowed back to school if they are no longer determined to be a danger.
“This incident is the exception to the Juanita High School way,” Moed said. “As a school, we are working hard to create a safe, caring and an inclusive environment. Last year, we implemented the Safe Schools Ambassadors program. Our staff and student leadership have worked hard to make Juanita a safe place for everyone.
“I am truly saddened that this incident could occur at Juanita but am also proud of the students who stepped in to stop it. I plan to do everything within my power to keep safety of students as our top priority.”

Reporter TJ Martinell contributed to this report.