Vallejo Boy Accused In School Threat Made On Instagram: PD

VALLEJO, CA — A 13-year-old Vallejo boy was arrested in connection with an Instagram post threatening violence toward a Vallejo middle school, Vallejo police said Friday. The post containing a threat against Hogan Middle School was brought to the attention of the Vallejo Police Department by concerned parents and the Vallejo City Unified School District, according to Acting police Capt. Jason Potts.

An ensuing investigation by Vallejo Police Department school resource officers and detectives with the PD's crime reduction team led them to a home in East Vallejo, Potts said.

A search warrant was served at the 13-year-old boy's residence; according to police, the boy was arrested after he admitted to his involvement in the school threat.

"Based on preliminary information, detectives are confident that only one person was responsible for the school threat," Potts said. "No other suspects were identified during their investigation."

"The Police Department would like to thank those community members who forwarded and reported this incident," Potts said. "We are grateful to the strong collaborative relationship we have with the Vallejo School District who also helped in resolving this matter quickly."

No weapons were located, and the boy suspected of making the post said it "was done as a joke," VCUSD Superintendent Clark said in a statement posted to the district's Facebook page.

"As a result of a thorough and swift investigation, VPD quickly identified the location the post was made," Clark said. "... We are thankful for the strong relationship we have with the Vallejo Police Department and our many stakeholders. See Something Say Something!"

The boy's name will not be disclosed by authorities because of privacy laws surrounding minors, Potts said.

A week ago in Benicia, two 17-year-old boys were arrested in connection with threats made on social media against Benicia High School, Benicia police said.

Anyone with information in the Vallejo incident that might be helpful to investigators should call the Vallejo Police Department at 800-488-9383, Potts said.