Auburndale Teen Accused of Having a Gun on School Grounds

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 -- 11:01 AM

On November 18, 2024 the Wood County Sheriff's Department responded to the Auburndale Elementary School in the Village of Auburndale, Wood County, Wisconsin for a male subject with a firearm.

The male subject was confronted by an Auburndale school staff member prior to law enforcement arrival. The male subject was later identified at Alden Jensen (Age 17). At the time law enforcement made contact with Jensen, he was no longer armed.

Jensen had taken the firearm to a nearby residence. During the investigation Jensen admitted to having an AR style 22 caliber rifle in the trunk of a vehicle. Law Enforcement was told that Jensen was trying to remove the firearm from school property so he attempted to conceal the firearm.

A school staff member noticed Jensen concealing the firearm and then leave school grounds walking in the direction of the Auburndale High School.Jensen's vehicle was searched and ammunition was located.

The firearm was located at the nearby residence. Jensen is currently enrolled as an online student in the Auburndale School District. At this time no threats were made and Jensen indicated that the firearm was in his vehicle because he was teaching firearms safety to a child over the weekend.

Jensen was taken into custody and is being held at the Wood County Jail for Possession a Firearm in a School Zone. At no time was a threat ever reported toward students or the community.

The Wood County Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Marshfield Police Department, Pittsville Police Department, Marathon County Sheriff's Department, Portage County Sheriff's Department and Wisconsin State Patrol.

This is a good reminder that firearms are not permitted on school grounds unless you are a sworn law enforcement officer.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.