Hoax Threats Target Multiple SCC Schools

LOS ALTOS, CA — An online threat triggered a police response Tuesday at Los Altos High School, and investigators determined it was a hoax.

According to the Los Altos Police Department, school administrators were notified late Tuesday morning that someone had sent a threat via a crisis center's online chat tool. Investigators said multiple factors led them to quickly rule the threat was non-credible, including the originating IP address, the "nature of the content and communications," and similar messages sent to other high schools in the area.

Two high schools in Palo Alto sheltered in place Tuesday while officers investigated threats to both campuses. Threats also triggered lockdowns at Cupertino High School, Piedmont Middle School, Piedmont High School, and Millenium High School.

In Los Altos, officials said police responded to the school immediately and treated the threat as legitimate until a full search of the campus was complete.

"Finding no credible threat, it was officially determined a hoax," the department said. "The Los Altos Police Department takes all threats seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our schools and community."

Bay City News contributed to this report.