Suspect In School Threats Arrested in Antioch

Police have arrested a 36-year-old Antioch man on suspicion of sending threatening emails and letters to several schools in Martinez and other nearby cities.

Larry Bantola of Antioch was arrested and charged with seven counts of criminal threats, according to Lt. Jon Sylvia of the Martinez Police Department.

Bantola's home on the 4400 block of Buckeye Way was visited by police from Martinez, Antioch, Pleasant Hill and Concord this morning around 8 a.m., Sylvia said, and "evidence related to the threats" were found. No weapons were found during the search, he added.

Sylvia said that Bantola was apparently angry at a former friend, and sent the letters and emails in the friend's name in an effort to discredit him.

Bantola was booked into Martinez Detention Center on $350,000 bail. 

"I feel a profound sense of relief that this person has been arrested  and I am  very grateful to the amazing efforts of our police department and the work of other local agencies," said Martinez school district superintendent Rami Muth. "The Martinez police are to be commended for their exhaustive efforts in bringing
resolution to this case.  I believe that one key take away from this experience will be the long-range improvements in our comprehensive school safety plans and the strengthening of our relationship with the Martinez police department.  I also am deeply appreciative of the special efforts of teachers, staff and administrators in keeping the focus on the safety of our students throughout this experience."

A school safety workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3 at Alhambra High School, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., as a result of the recent incidents. 

Threatening emails and letters have caused much concern in Martinez, Concord and Pleasant Hill over the last several weeks, as administrators and police scrambled to find an appropriate response to the letters. St. Catherine's school was closed Wednesday and yesterday after receiving a threat. 

Any questions can be directed to Lieutenant Jon Sylvia 925-372-3446 or the on duty watch commander at 925-372-3436.