PHOENIX, AZ – As a result of issuing threats of a mass shooting on social media targeting a dozen Valley schools, a teenage boy was taken into custody by the Phoenix Police Department. The arrest took place on September 19, following the threats that were brought to the attention of the Phoenix police officers five days earlier.
The threats resulted in approximately 6,000 students being absent from the mentioned schools for consecutive days. As per police reports, the boy reportedly admitted to devising the threat in response to a challenge from a group of his peers. The teenager is now facing various felony charges, encompassing computer tampering and making terroristic threats.
Phoenix police released a statement urging the public to promptly report any potential threats directly to law enforcement rather than sharing or reposting such content on social media.
They stressed that such reposts hinder the scope of a criminal investigation and enable the spread of misinformation throughout social media. Phoenix police reiterated their stance on such issues as ‘zero tolerance’ matters, assuring that those involved will face arrest and imprisonment on serious felony charges.
Moreover, as the Phoenix police noted, upon conviction for making a terroristic threat, the accused can also be held financially accountable for any costs associated with the incident and its investigation.