EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 15-year-old was taken into custody after allegedly theatening to “shoot up” a local school, Horizon City Police said.
The incident happened on Wednesday, April 9.
Horizon Police said they responded to a report of a threat against a school. They did not say which school the threat was made against.
Officers gathered evidence that indicated that a 15-year-old had made a threat to “shoot up the school,” Horizon Police said.
Evidence included a photo of the juvenile holding what appeared to be a weapon, police said.
The individual was identified and they later admitted to making the threat, saying it was “only a joke,” Horizon Police said.
The juvenile was taken into custody for making a false alarm or report, police said.
The case has been referred to the Horizon City Police’s Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation.
Police Chief Marco Vargas issued the following statement: “Given the senseless and tragic events we’ve seen across the country, including the Uvalde school shooting, the Horizon City Police Department treats every threat to school safety with the utmost seriousness. Even if intended as a joke, these types of threats are felony offenses. We will continue to thoroughly investigate and hold anyone accountable for making such threats. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority.”
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