SMPD officers were alerted anonymously to a threat over social media about a possible shooting at Serra High School. An in-depth investigation led to the identification and arrest of a student.
San Mateo, CA – On Friday, March 22, 2019, at 17:35 p.m. San Mateo Police received an anonymous tip regarding the threat of a school shooting at Serra High School. Officers were unable to identify the caller at the time to determine the veracity, credibility, and specific nature of the threat. In collaboration with Serra High School administration, a comprehensive and intense investigation was launched by SMPD, which led this morning to the suspect’s arrest and containment of the threat.
San Mateo Police worked feverishly throughout the weekend with school administrators to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect that posted a school shooting threat on social media. As a result, officers instituted patrols in and around Serra High School throughout the weekend and increased uniformed and plain-clothes presence in the immediate area. In addition, a threat assessment with the involved youth was conducted in collaboration with the San Mateo County Board of Education Threat Assessment Team to determine the threat level and next steps.
SMPD is actively investigating this incident and we are asking anyone with information to contact San Mateo Police Detective Sergeant Lee Violett at (650) 730-9748 or by email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted to (650) 522-7676 or at http://tinyurl.com/SMPDTips.
The San Mateo Police Department is asking parents to talk with their youth about the gravity of threats posted to social media and to encourage their children to come forward immediately when threats are seen. The impact of threats are significant to a school community and our city as a whole. They place a major burden on school and police resources and are a cause of great concern. Please read more about discussing these issues with your children here: https://tinyurl.com/AACAP-Juvenile-Threats.
ARRESTED
16-year-old male juvenile San Francisco resident was arrested for criminal threats (422 PC) and was booked at Hillcrest Juvenile Hall.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Relations Officer
Media Relations & Community Services
San Mateo Police Department
Desk: 650-522-7626
Email: [email protected]
