Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – December 7, 2021- The Hollister Police Department received a report that a San Benito High School student made threats through social media to harm fellow students. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 14-year-old student at his home prior to the start of school.  No credible threat was revealed in the course of the investigation. 
 
On December 6, 2021, about 10:05 p.m., officers received a call concerning threatening statements being made through social media.  The suspect in this case, a 14-year-old student, had sent messages to others threatening to harm students at the high school.  The messages included a specific plan as to how and when the student intended to carry out an attack on students.
 
The night shift officer contacted the School Resource Officer (SRO) who came in early this morning to identify the suspect and locate the suspect’s home.  The School Resource Officer notified San Benito High School administration of the threat and school staff collaborated throughout the investigation. SRO Rayas identified the home address and responded to the residence to contact the suspect and parents.
 
At about 6:40 a.m. Tuesday, Officers spoke with the parents, who were very cooperative and allowed a search of the home.  No weapons were located and no access to weapons was discovered. 
 
The student was taken into custody at the residence and charged with making terrorist threats. 
 
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank those individuals who came forward and reported these threats to police.  We would also like to thank the San Benito High School staff for their assistance in this investigation. 
 
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum said, “we appreciate our ongoing collaboration with the Hollister Police Department to support our commitment to a safe school environment. The District is grateful for the timely response and resolution to this threat prior to the student coming to campus.”
 
The Hollister Police Department values our partnership with the San Benito High School in our mutual goal to keep our students and staff safe. 
 
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Officer Rene Rayas at 831-636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
 
# # # #
Prepared by: Sergeant, D. Pershall
Approved by: Rosie Betanio, Captain
 
 # 21-2928