Full Notification

Recent tragic events nationwide have understandably increased anxiety and concern regarding safety at our schools. We would like our residents to know that Lancaster Sheriff’s Station, along with our Department, diligently works hand in hand with the staff and administration at all of our Antelope Valley Union High School District schools to create the safest schools possible.

In the last 24 hours, several threats have been investigated. Vague statements have been shared endlessly on social media, creating for rumors, anxiety and false information to be promoted hundreds if not thousands of times.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019 a 15 year old male student made a questionable statement out loud while in class at Quartz Hill High School. A second student who heard the comment interpreted it as a threat and posted about the comment on social media. Quartz Hill High School administrators learned about the social media post and immediately notified Lancaster Sheriff’s Station. During their investigation, Lancaster Station Detectives identified all parties involved and due to the fact that the student who posted on social media felt threatened by the comment, the 15 year old student was arrested for making felony criminal threats. He was transported to Eastlake Juvenile Hall with no bail. At this time, this incident is considered resolved and there are no further threats to the school from this subject.

Unrelated to this incident, earlier in the day, a group of juveniles got into a disagreement on their way home from Lancaster High School. One of the students, a male juvenile, lifted his shirt, exposed his waistband and referenced a weapon. Accounts from the numerous students at the scene have varied, some saying they believe they saw “something” and some saying they saw “nothing”. The student who made the physical gesture was identified after school officials were notified and Detectives have been in contact with the student and his parents. No weapon was ever located and this matter is pending.

Also at Lancaster High School yesterday afternoon, a video began circulating social media with claims that a male student had simulated a gun with his finger and thumb while in school. Again, as in the previous incidents, students began sharing the video via numerous social platforms. Deputies identified the student in the video and made contact with the student and his parents. At this time, there is no evidence that substantiates a threat to the school or any other students.

What do these three situations have in common? Clearly, our students and parents are understandably in a sense of heightened alert. However, in all three incidents, social media was made aware of the incidents prior to law enforcement or school officials being notified. In the fast paced, cell phone charged world we live in, people will often stop by and live stream a traffic collision before rendering aid to the victims. While we appreciate the notifications being shared across social media platforms, it’s imperative that parents remind their students to contact an adult AS SOON AS THE INCIDENT OCCURS rather than post about it online. Not only can a threat be addressed immediately, it will prevent incidents from being sensationalized without merit.

Our deputies MUST treat every threat as real. This is significantly exhausting our resources. Every threat, whether it be verbal or on social media is taken seriously and will be investigated. The resources it requires to fully investigate each individual threat is overwhelming, however it must be done. We take this time to remind parents to speak to their student of the serious consequences of their words. Not only can a student face criminal charges, there is also the potential for civil and financial consequences.

Finally, we ask for patience. While Lancaster Sheriff’s Station prides ourselves on being transparent and getting information out to our residents quickly, it would be irresponsible to get out information that is wrong or violates an innocent person’s privacy. Often times we will post a “we are aware” message to qualm the fears of parents as best as we can. However, releasing further information could not only jeopardize our investigation, it could potentially give a copycat information, opportunity and means to follow through with a horrendous act.

We are so incredibly grateful for your support. The Antelope Valley is distinct in nature that a large majority of our deputies reside here as well. That means our children go to school with your children. We are all in this together and will continue to do everything we can so OUR children have a great place to further their education.

As always, if you see something, say something.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lancaster Station at (661) 948-8466. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP, “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
 
 
 
Lancaster Sheriff’s Station polices the City of Lancaster, Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, and the unincorporated communities of Antelope Acres, Lake Los Angeles, and Quartz Hill in the Antelope Valley.
 
Ali Villalobos
Lancaster Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
501 W Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster, CA 93534
Station (661) 948-8466
Desk (661) 524-2154
Website: http://www.Lancaster.lasd.org
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