In light of last month’s school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, communities around the country have been urging schools and parents to take threats seriously and provide more mental health care.
17 people were killed and 14 others injured in the tragedy, and schools throughout Arizona have been initiating lockdowns and full investigations of any threats.
On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Prescott Valley Police Department officers responded to Bradshaw Mountain High School following reports of threats made by a 15-year-old male student.
When officers got to the school, the student who reported the threat described overhearing a conversation where the threats were verbalized, according to the news release. Officers determined that the student allegedly stated, “I might as well shoot up the school and take out as many people as possible because there is no point in living.”
The student was interviewed by PVPD detectives and admitted to making “dark jokes” about shooting and suicide, but denied any real intention of acting on the threats.
A criminal investigation into this incident is ongoing and charges are a possibility. An administrative investigation by Humboldt Unified School District is also underway, and the student and his parents were given assistance and resources.
Parents and children are encouraged to always talk about or report any unusual activity or statements.
For more information, please visit the official PVPD website here.