Benicia High School Threats: 2 Arrested, Police Say

BENICIA, CA — An investigation of a social media post threatening violence against Benicia High School led to the arrest of two 17-year-old boys, the Benicia Police Department said Friday. The threat surfaced Thursday night and was brought to the attention of Benicia PD as well as the Benicia Unified School District, according to Benicia Police Department Spokeswoman Irma Widjojo.

Detectives and officers proceeded to work overnight on the case, and by Friday morning, they identified and arrested a boy believed to be responsible for the post, Widjojo said.

"Additionally, another 17-year-old Benicia male was also arrested last night for creating a separate social media post inciting more fear based on that original post," Widjojo said.

The Benicia Unified School District notified parents Thursday evening that a threat to "shoot up" Benicia High School was made in a social media post. District administrators decided against canceling any classes after they consulted with police and were told there was nothing to validate the credibility of the post, nor did investigators believe an attack was imminent.

There was an extra presence of police before and during school Friday, and counseling services were made available for students and staff because such situations "are scary and difficult," the district said.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Benicia police said they were confident there was no legitimate threat to students or staff at the school, she said.

The identities of the two boys were not released because of their ages.

Anyone with further information related to the investigation is encouraged to call Benicia police at 707-745-3411.