11-year-old boy arrested in Surprise for threatening to shoot other students

PHOENIX — An 11-year-old boy was arrested in Surprise Monday morning for allegedly making threats to shoot other students, authorities said.

Police were alerted by Paradise Honors Middle School of a threat made by the student to bring a gun to school and kill others, the Surprise Police Department said in a press release.

During the investigation, officers learned the suspect told another student about his plan and that student passed on the information to the school.

The boy was booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center after admitting he made threats of violence, police said.

He faces charges of making a terroristic threat and disorderly conduct.

“I applaud the bravery of the student who spoke up to protect his school and the partnership we have with all of our educational partners who work with us every day to ensure the safety of our schools, students and community,” Surprise Police Chief Benny Piña said in the release.

“Threats of violence toward our schools will not be tolerated and those who engage in this type of activity will be held fully accountable for their actions.”

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000 or, to submit an anonymous tip, at 623-222-8477.

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