Moreno Valley Boy Arrested For Alleged School Threats

MORENO VALLEY, CA — A 12-year-old boy was arrested at his Moreno Valley home Wednesday after investigators allege he made threats against students at his Jurupa Valley elementary school.

The boy's arrest is the latest in a string of threats investigated in recent weeks at schools across California and beyond. On Tuesday, a 13-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of posting online threats directed at her Riverside middle school, and a student at Arlington High School was recently arrested in a similar case.

On Monday, a 14-year-old Eastvale boy was arrested at his home after investigators allege he threatened students at his Jurupa Valley middle school.

Authorities have also investigated non-credible threats at schools across the Golden State, and the students arrested have been as young as 11.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, a school resource deputy working at an elementary school on 42nd Street in Jurupa Valley received a report about threats on the morning of Sept. 12. An investigation led deputies to a home in Moreno Valley, where the authorities searched the house and collected evidence Wednesday.

The sheriff's office said no firearms or other weapons were found at the home, and the boy was taken into custody and booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of making criminal threats.

Citing the pattern of recent incidents around the region, this week Riverside's police chief urged students to consider the serious consequences of making threats — even when they turn out to be unfounded.

"These recent disruptions to our schools must stop immediately so that our children can focus on their education," said police chief Larry Gonzalez. "Students who make threats of school violence on social media or by other means will face strict criminal consequences and severe disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. We will not tolerate any behavior that undermines the safety and security of our schools."