Surprise, AZ (September 9, 2024) — A 14-year-old student was arrested today by Surprise Police in connection with online threats directed at Valley Vista High School. The arrest followed collaborative efforts between school officials and the School Resource Officer assigned to the high school.
According to authorities, the student was apprehended without any weapons and posed no immediate danger to the school or the community. The teenager admitted to making the threats as a prank and has been charged with Making a Terroristic Threat, a Class 3 Felony, and Disorderly Conduct, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. The student is currently being held at the Durango Juvenile Detention Center.
Surprise Police Chief Benny Pina expressed gratitude to the students who reported the threats, emphasizing the seriousness of such incidents. “We thank the brave students who spoke up to protect their school. 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,” Chief Pina stated. He also highlighted the department’s commitment to school safety, noting that Surprise Police has 14 officers serving as full-time School Resource Officers.
Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to contact Surprise Police at (623) 222-4000, or 623-222-TIPS (8477), or email crimetips@surpriseaz.gov, referencing incident number #240901696.