Schools
Boy Arrested For School Threats In Bay Area: Police
The threats toward two schools were deemed not credible, but police said they would still have a heightened presence in the coming days.
PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma student is accused of making threats this week toward two local high schools.
Police became aware of the threats Wednesday through the STOPit mobile app. A post on the app mentioned an act of violence would take place Friday afternoon— Friday the 13th— at Casa Grande High School and Petaluma High School, Petaluma police Lt. Zilverio Rivera said.
"Shortly after we were notified via STOP IT, the police department’s dispatch center began receiving calls from concerned parents and students regarding a social media post that had already been reported via the STOP IT application to the police department," Rivera said.
On Wednesday evening, Petaluma police officers identified a 14-year-old boy believed to be responsible for making the threats. They went to his residence in Petaluma and took him into custody.
The boy was later booked into Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. Due to his age, police said his name would not be released.
Officers searched the boy's residence but did not find a gun, Rivera said.
"Outside of the social media post, there has been no information that leads us to believe that the threat is credible," Rivera said.
Still, in the coming days, as many police officers as possible will be present at both high schools.
"Petaluma Police and the Petaluma City School Districts take all threats very seriously," Rivera said. "... School safety and providing a safe place for children and young adults to thrive on safe campuses is of paramount importance."
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