The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) has arrested a 12-year-old student in connection with a reported threatening statement.
On Sept. 25, Queen Creek Jr. High School administration notified QCPD of the incident, prompting an immediate investigation. While the investigation concluded that there was no credible threat to the school, the statement resulted in a disruption and interfered with the educational institution.
The student was arrested for interfering with or disrupting an educational institution and booked into the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center.
"The safety of our community, particularly our youth, remains a top priority for our department. In recent weeks, we've seen a rise in reported school threats. Incidents like this one cause unnecessary fear among students, parents and staff, disrupt the school environment, and strain valuable police resources," said Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice. "We will not tolerate any actions that compromise the safety of our schools and will continue to hold individuals accountable for such behavior."
QCPD asks that parents and guardians please discuss with your children the seriousness their words or actions can have. If you say it, text it, write it, snap it, or post it on social media, you can face serious consequences. Even if it was meant to be a joke, making a fake threat of violence is a crime.
QCPD takes threats against our schools very seriously and works closely with our schools to thoroughly investigate all reported threats. Please report safety concerns immediately by calling 480-358-3500 (9-1-1 in an emergency).
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
*Charges are accusations, defendants are presumed innocent until pleading or being found guilty.
