EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Two students suspected of making online threats to carry out shootings at local schools were recently arrested in Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) announced in a news release.
LCPD said a 13-year-old boy was arrested on Friday, Sept. 13 for making online threats to carry out a shooting at Camino Real Middle School, and a 15-year-old girl was arrested on Monday, Sept. 16 for making a similar threat directed toward Centennial High School.
Both students are charged with unlawful threats toward a school. LCPD will not publicly identify the students since they are both juveniles.
LCPD and Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) officials learned of the threats made on social media.
In addition to the police investigation, administrative investigations were conducted at Camino Real Middle School and Centennial High School to ensure student, staff and community safety, according to LCPD.
“Although students and staff were not under an immediate threat, the incident falls into a pattern of threats spread on social media that caused school security to be tightening last week. LCPD will continue to collaborate with public school officials to monitor schools and ensure the safety and security of students, faculty and staff,” read the news release by LCPD.
LCPD said the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who sees or receives a threatening post is asked to refrain from forwarding it to others, or reposting it, as doing so may cause unnecessary fear and widespread panic, according to LCPD.
Police encourage anyone who sees or receives information that is believed to be threatening to screen-save the content and immediately alert law enforcement by calling 911.
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