PHOENIX — A minor has been arrested for making social media threats against a Valley school on Wednesday, according to officials.
The threats were directed toward Mountain Sky Jr. High, school officials confirmed to 12News.
Pam Horton, the director of communications for Washington Elementary School District, confirmed a student was arrested for making threats toward the school. Horton said the juvenile was arrested but was not a student in the Washington Elementary School District.
The following message was sent out Wednesday to parents and guardians regarding the threat:
This is an important message from Mountain Sky Junior High
This morning, we became aware of possible threats to our school on social media. In coordination with the Phoenix Police and District Security, we have been investigating the posts. Our District Security team has been on campus and will remain on campus all day. We want to assure you that at Mountain Sky Junior High, we take matters such as these very seriously. Thank you for your support.
The Phoenix Police Department also confirmed a male minor was arrested. The juvenile was referred to the juvenile court center on charges of interference with or disruption of an educational institution, making a terroristic threat, and computer tampering.
The school said the safety of students and staff is its top priority.
A follow-up advisory to parents and guardians from the school.
The advisory said the school is working closely with Phoenix police to investigate the social media posts involving threats toward the school.
The school is also continuing to interview students and investigate the situation.
Any threats directed at the school violate school policy and are subject to disciplinary action from the school and law enforcement.
The school asked parents to talk to their kids about social media and the importance of reporting posts that are suspicious to school officials.
The school also said officials appreciate all of the students who were willing to come forward to share information that helped with the investigation.
Anyone with information about threats to the school should contact Phoenix police by calling 602-262-6151.
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