Second Napa Teen Arrested In Alleged School Shootings Plot

NAPA, CA — Napa police on Thursday said a 13-year-old River Middle School student has been arrested on suspicion of hiding evidence and interfering with witnesses related to a fellow student's threat to kill another student who intended to disclose alleged plans for a mass shooting at two schools in Napa.

The Napa boy was taken into custody on suspicion of two felony counts of accessory after the fact when one of his parents brought him to the Napa Police Department around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, police Capt. Pat Manzer said.

A 14-year-old boy who allegedly planned the shootings at River Middle School and Vintage High School was arrested Jan. 2 for allegedly threatening to kill the River Middle School student who threatened to inform police and parents about the alleged shootings plan, police said.

Police said they searched the 14-year-old boy's two Napa residences and found evidence related to the planning and research of a mass shooting.

"It also appears this (accessory) suspect (was) trying to thwart our investigation into the school shooting threat," police said in a news release Thursday.

Police said, however, there is no evidence the boy arrested as an accessory was actively involved in the planning of any violence toward others and he was not a threat to anyone, police said.

Police are still investigating the alleged shootings plan and the alleged threats to the teen who intended to inform authorities.

Police also said they have not found further evidence or active threats toward any school or individual victim other than the boy who was arrested on Jan. 2.

Police learned on Dec. 31 about the alleged shootings plan at the two Napa schools. The schools were closed at the time for winter break.

• RELATED COVERAGE: Napa Student Suspected Of Plotting Mass Shooting At 2 Schools

Napa Valley Unified School District Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti said Thursday the school district will take the next prudent steps to ensure student safety.

"NVUSD will be working on large-scale, district wide action plans to address students' socio emotional needs, digital citizenship and safety and school security more intensely in response to the events of the last couple days," Mucetti said.

"Finally I want to put our attention to where it belongs. We are deeply grateful to the student who reported concerns to an adult, the adult who reported it to police, and to our staff and parents who are supporting our students and focusing on their mental and emotional health," Mucetti said.

Napa police also praised the River Middle School teen who talked to parents and police.

"We believe based on the information collected at this point, this was possibly a tragedy averted and are thankful for the information provided to us," police said in a news release Monday.

By Bay City News Service

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone