Three juveniles arrested over posts threatening several Phoenix schools
Sep 27, 2016, 3:42 PM | Updated: 3:43 pm
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — Three juveniles have been arrested in connection with online posts that threatened several Phoenix high schools this week, police said.
The Phoenix Police Department said the threats included nearly two dozen Valley schools.
The perpetrators could face several charges, including felonies.
“The Phoenix Police Department wants to make some things very clear to those who choose to participate in threatening behavior: It is not a joke. It is a felony,” the agency said in a press release. “All threats are taken seriously and vigorously investigated.”
The juveniles could also be punished by their schools.
In a statement released on its website, the Phoenix Union High School District said similar posts threatened Carl Hayden High School, Maryvale High School, Cesar Chavez High School, North High School and Betty Fairfax High School.
The district alerted parents, staff and police to the threats.
No classes were canceled because of the messages, but concerned parents were permitted to withdraw their children from school for the day. Unusually high numbers of absences were reported.
The Phoenix Police Department said it is working with school officials to ensure students stay safe.