Disturbing Video Alarms IE Families After Armed Student Arrest

OAK HILLS, CA — Tensions are high at an Inland Empire high school this week after a student was found with a firearm on campus on Tuesday, and a threatening video circulated among students on social media at week's end.

According to officials, the situation at Oak Hills High School in Hesperia is fluid. Though it was supposed to be spirit week, pep rallies were canceled due to general unease and increased police activity around the school grounds. Still, a school spokesperson said a video shared over Snapchat raised the most recent alarm.

"The video shows several males in a home, wearing hoodies and cursing several individuals by first name while covering their faces," the school shared in their statement on the incident. "One of the individuals appears to be holding a weapon."

The Oak Hills High School and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced to families that they are working to keep students and parents informed, saying that the video circulating on social media does not reference their school.

"Law enforcement agencies are currently working with leads and hope they will identify the individuals in the video soon," Hesperia Unified School District said in a prepared statement Friday. "Despite OHHS not being mentioned and no threat against any school being made in the video, the district plans to maintain an elevated law enforcement presence on campus out of an abundance of caution."

According to the school and the sheriff's department, the inciting incident occurred Tuesday. That day, one student noticed what looked like a gun in another student's waistband, according to a statement from the Oak Hills High School principal. "That student immediately told a teacher and police officer on-site at the Oak Hills High School."

A handgun was found after that student fled on foot. No one was injured, though the school was placed on lockdown.

The 15-year-old student— whose identity has not been released—was arrested and booked for possessing a gun on school grounds, possessing a stolen firearm, and resisting arrest, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said.

"Officers questioned the suspect and investigated, trying to determine if there were other threats at the school," Principal Michael Capps said in a prepared statement. No other suspects were found.

Parents have responded over Facebook, questioning the high school and the district's responses to the threats. Multiple families said they were keeping their students home Friday.

Though parents referenced a graffiti message outside the school last week, Hesperia police say this was unrelated.

"I would also like to share that there is absolutely no evidence that the acts of this single subject are in any way linked to the graffiti vandalism threats against Oak Hills earlier this month," Chief Steve Hinojos said. "We are aware of social media rumors being spread regarding further threats against Oak Hills High School. As of right now, we cannot find any validity in these rumors. Once again, there are currently no credible threats against Oak Hills High School or any district schools.

"If anyone has information or concerns regarding this case or any other situations, please feel free to contact me or my staff," Hinojops said.

The high school has stated they will have additional support for students in the counseling office.