On September 24, 2024, a 14-year-old student was taken into custody by Surprise Police for allegedly threatening violence against Valley Vista High School.
Collaborating with school officials and the School Resource Officer, police apprehended the student without any incident. Authorities confirmed that the student was unarmed and posed no danger to the school or the surrounding community. The student has acknowledged making the threats and has been charged with Making a Terroristic Threat, a Class 3 Felony, as well as Disorderly Conduct, a Class 1 Misdemeanor, and is now at the Durango Juvenile Detention Center.
Surprise Police Chief Benny Piña emphasized the importance of community vigilance: “We thank the courageous students who reported this matter. Threats of violence in our schools will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with further information is encouraged to reach out to the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000 or 623-222-TIPS (8477), or via email at crimetips@surpriseaz.gov, referencing incident number #240904980.