Teen arrested for alleged online threat toward Valley Vista High School
Sep 9, 2024, 8:00 PM | Updated: 9:51 pm
A file photo of Valley Vista High School, located in Surprise, Arizona. (Valley Vista High School/Facebook)
(Valley Vista High School/Facebook)
PHOENIX – Surprise police arrested a 14-year-old Valley Vista High School student on Monday after the student allegedly made violent threats online, according to authorities.
The student was taken into custody by a school resource officer after receiving help from Valley Vista staff members.
The police said the student admitted to making the threats and did so as a “dare.” The student was taken to the Durango Juvenile Detention Center and charged with Making a terroristic threat, which is a class 3 felony, and disorderly conduct, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
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Authorities said the student was not armed and is not a threat to the school or surrounding community. Valley Vista High School is located in Surprise, near Greenway and Reems roads.
“We thank the brave students who spoke up to protect their school,” Surprise Police Chief Benny Pina said in a release. “Threats of violence toward our schools are not a joke and will not be tolerated. Those who engage in this type of activity will be held fully accountable for their actions.
“Through community partnerships with our local school districts, the Surprise Police Department has 14 police officers dedicated as fulltime School Resource Officers (SRO) to ensure the safety of our students.”
Surprise police are asking anyone with more information to call them at 623-222-4000, or 623-222-TIPS (8477) or email them at crimetips@surpriseaz.gov.
