'BHS' Threat Prompts Investigations In Banning And Beaumont

PASS AREA, CA — As rumors swirled online regarding a possible threat in the Pass Area this week, police in both Banning and Beaumont say they each investigated an alleged threat made at a "BHS." As BHS could stand for either Banning High School or Beaumont High School, law enforcement officials say they worked to determine if the threat was real and if a local campus was targeted.

In the end, both agencies said Tuesday they determined the "threat" to be unfounded and part of a viral message circulating on Snapchat.

"The message indicated a threat of a school shooting," Banning Police Chief Alex Diaz said in a news release. "This message has been received by numerous high schools throughout several states."

The message appears to have originated from a school in Belan, New Mexico, according to police. On Thursday, a sophomore at Belan High School was arrested and charged with assault on school personnel, public nuisance, disturbing lawful assembly, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a telephone and interference with an education system, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

Meanwhile, in the days since the message was allegedly posted by the boy, the threat has gained traction — eventually making its way into Banning and Beaumont on Monday.

Beaumont police say they "began investigating the threat and quickly determined that the threat was not credible."

"Beaumont Police Department makes the safety of students, parents and staff of our schools a number one priority and cases such as this are taken seriously and will be investigated," police said.

Chief Diaz said that "as a precautionary measure," police would deploy extra officers to Banning High.

"This is a reminder for all parents to monitor their children’s social media and have a conversation about the seriousness of posting any kind of reference to violence or threats to schools," the district said. "We encourage the entire school community to immediately report anything suspicious to law enforcement and not spread rumors via social media."

Both police departments asked that if anyone has additional concerns or information related to their investigations, to contact them directly. Banning police can be reached at 951-922-3170 and Beaumont police can be reached at 951-769-8500.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone